This species is common at the Falkland Islands, and it often occurs
mingled in the same flock with the last one. I suspect, however, it
more commonly frequents higher parts of the hills. These species have a
very close general resemblance; but the marks about the head, which
are white in the C. melanodera, are yellow in the C.
xanthogramma, while the parts of the tail-feathers which are
white
in the latter, are yellow in the C. melanodera: this
difference of colours does not hold in the females, but they may be at
once distinguished by the greater length of wing, when folded, of the C.
xanthogramma.

I saw the only specimen, which I procured, feeding on the fruit of
an opuntia at Maldonado.

Mr. G. R. Gray is induced to consider the species figured under the
name of T. Darwinii, as the T. striata, Gm. and
the T. Darwinii of
the Zoological Society's Proceedings, as the female of the same
species, while the young birds may be described as following:

Brown,
with the margins of the dorsal feathers greenish-brown, those of the
wings and tail margined brownish-white; head and neck greyish-green;

Olivaceous, with the feathers of the back marked down the middle
with black; the head and throat cinereous, with each feather of the
former streaked down the middle with black; beneath the body rufous
white, darker on the flanks and under tail coverts: the border of the
wings bright yellow; the secondaries and primaries black, the former
broadly margined with pale olive, the latter with bright olivaceous
yellow; base of bill dusky orange.

Habitat, northern shore of the Plata. (May and August.)

This bird is common both near Monte Video and Maldonado, in swamps.
Stomach full of seeds: it makes a shrill loud cry: its flight is
clumsy, as if its tail were disjointed.

This singular genus* appears to be confined to the islands of
the Galapagos Archipelago. It is very numerous, both in individuals and
in species, so that it forms the most striking feature in their
ornithology. The characters of the species of Geospiza, as well as of
the following allied subgenera, run closely into each other in a most
remarkable manner.

In my Journal of Researches, p. 475, I have given my reasons for
believing that in some cases the separate islands possess their own
representatives of the different species, and this almost necessarily
would cause a fine gradation in their characters. Unfortunately I did
not suspect this fact until it was too late to distinguish the
specimens from the different islands of the group; but from the
collection made for Captain FitzRoy, I have been able in some small
measure to rectify this omission.

In each species of these genera a perfect gradation in colouring
might, I think, be formed from one jet black to another pale brown. My
observations showed that the former were invariably the males; but Mr.
Bynoe, the surgeon of the Beagle, who opened many specimens, assured me
that he found two quite black specimens of one of the smaller species
of Geospiza, which certainly were females: this, however, undoubtedly
is an exception to the general fact; and is analogous to those cases,
which Mr. Blyth* has recorded of female linnets and some other birds,
in a state of high constitutional vigour, assuming the brighter plumage
of the male. The jet black birds, in cases, where there could be no
doubt in regard to the species, were in singularly few proportional
numbers to the brown ones: I can only account for this by the
supposition that the intense black colour is attained only by
three-year-old birds. I may here mention, that the time of year
(beginning of October) in which my collection was made, probably
corresponds, as far as the purposes of incubation are concerned, with
our autumn. The several species of Geospiza are undistinguishable from
each other in habits; they often form, together with the species of
the following subgenera, and likewise with doves, large irregular
flocks. They frequent the rocky and extremely arid parts of the land
sparingly covered with almost naked bushes, near the coasts;

* This genus, and the following sub-genera, were
named by Mr. Gould
at a meeting of the Zool. Soc. Jan. 10 1837, p. 4. of Proceedings.

for here they find, by scratching in the cindery soil with their
powerful beaks and claws, the seeds of grasses and other plants, which
rapidly spring up during the short rainy season, and as rapidly
disappear. They often eat small portions of the succulent leaves of the
Opuntia Galapageia, probably for the sake of the moisture
contained in them: in this dry climate the birds suffer much from the
want of water, and these finches, as well as others, daily crowd round
the small and scanty wells, which are found on some of the islands. I
seldom, however, saw these birds in the upper and damp region, which
supports a thriving vegetation; excepting on the cleared and
cultivated fields near the houses in Charles Island, where, as I was
informed by the colonists, they do much injury by digging up roots and
seeds from a depth of even six inches.

Deep sooty black; with the under tail-coverts and the bill reddish
brown tinged with black; the feet black.

Female (or young male): The body above, breast and throat, deep
fuscous, with each feather margined with cinereous-olive: the abdomen,
and under tail-coverts pale cinereous-brown; the bill reddish fuscous,
with the apex yellowish, and the feet like those in the male.

Male.—Upper part of the head and body blackish fuscous, with each
feather margined with cinereous olive; the body beneath paler, with
the lowest part of the abdomen and under tail-coverts ashy; the bill
and feet deep fuscous.

Female: Upper part of the body; the wings and tail deep fuscous,
with each feather margined with ashy ferrugineous; beneath the body
cinereous, with each feather towards the middle darker; the bill brown,
and the feet blackish brown.

The margin of the upper mandible produced into a tooth; the vertex
and above the body fuscous, with each feather towards the middle
darker; the margins of the secondaries and wing coverts straw colour;
the throat and breast pale brown, darker towards the middle of each
feather; the sides and under tail-coverts cinereous white; the bill
rufous fuscous, and the feet obscure lead colour.

Habitat, Galapagos Archipelago.

Mr. Gould considered this specimen a female, from the appearance of
its plumage; but from dissection, I thought it was a male.

The head, throat, and back, sooty black; the lower part of the
back cinereous olive; the tail and wings blackish brown, margined with
cinereous; the sides olive with fuscous spots; the abdomen and under
tail-coverts white; the bill and feet blackish brown.

Upper surface fuscous, with each feather margined with cinereous
olive; the streak above the eye, cheeks, throat, and beneath the body,
cinereous olive, with the middle of each feather fuscous; the wings
and tail brown, with each feather margined with cinereous ash; the
bill white, and the feet obscure fuscous.

The upper part of the head and body fuscous; the wing and tail
darker; the throat, and beneath the body cinereous white, tinged with
straw-colour; the bill pale yellowish fuscous, and the feet fuscous.

Habitat, Galapagos Archipelago, (James' Island.)

The species of Camarhynchus do not differ in habits from those of
Geospiza; and the C. psittaculus might
often be seen mingled in considerable numbers in the same flock with
the latter. Mr. Bynoe procured a blackish specimen, which, doubtless,
was an old male; I saw several somewhat dusky, especially about the
head.

Upper part of the body deep brown, with each feather margined with
cinereous olive; the throat and breast cinereous olive, with the middle
of each feather darker; the abdomen, sides, and under tail coverts
cinereous tinged with straw colour.

Habitat, Galapagos Archipelago, (Charles Island ?)

I am nearly certain that this species is not found in James Island.
I believe it came from Charles Island, and probably there replaces the C.
psittaculus of
James Island. I obtained three specimens, one male, and two females;
from the analogy of so many species in this group, I do not doubt the
old male would be black.

Deep sooty black, with the under tail-coverts white; the bill and
feet blackish-brown.

Female: Upper surface of the body, throat and breast intensely
brown, with the margins of each feather paler; the abdomen and the
under tail coverts cinereous, tinged with straw-colour; the bill pale
fuscous, and the feet blackish fuscous.

Habitat, Galapagos Archipelago, (James' Island.)

The species of this sub-genus alone can be distinguished in habits
from the several foregoing ones belonging to Geospiza and Camarhynchus.
Their most

frequent resort is the Opuntia Galapageia, about the
fleshy
leaves of which they hop and climb, even with their back downwards,
whilst feeding with their sharp beaks, both on the fruit and flowers.
Often, however, they alight on the ground, and mingled with the flock
of the above mentioned species, they search for seeds in the parched
volcanic soil. The extreme scarceness of the jet-black specimens, which
I mentioned under the head of the genus Geospiza, is well
exemplified in the case of the C. scandens, for
although I daily saw many brown-coloured ones, (and two collectors were
looking out for them), only one, besides that which is figured, was
procured, and I did not see a second.

Upper surface of the body sooty black, margined with cinereous, as
well as the throat and abdomen; the bill pale rufous brown; the feet
blackish brown.

Habitat, Galapagos Archipelago.

I do not know from which island of the group this species was
procured; almost certainly not from James Island. Analogy would in
this case, as in that of Camarhynchus crassirostris, lead to
the belief that the old male would be jet black. By a mistake this bird
has been figured standing on the Opuntia Darwinii, a plant
from Patagonia, instead of the O. Galapageia. I
may here mention that a third and well characterized species of
Cactornis has lately been sent by Captain Belcher, R.N. to the
Zoological Society; as Capt. Belcher visited Cocos Island, which is
the nearest land to the Galapagos Archipelago, being less than 400
miles distant, it is very probable that the species came thence.

Of the foregoing
sub-genera, Geospiza, Camarhynchus and Cactornis belong to one type,
but with regard to Certhidea, although Mr. Gould confidently believes
it should also be referred to the same division, yet as in its slighter
form and weaker bill, it has so much the appearance of a member of the Sylviadæ,
he
would by no means insist upon the above view being adopted,
until the matter shall have been more fully investigated.

Upper part of the head, body, wings and tail, olivaceous brown; the
throat, and beneath the body, cinereous; the bill and feet pale brown.

Habitat, Galapagos Archipelago. (Chatham and James Island).

I believe my specimens, which include both sexes, were procured from
Chatham and James Islands; it is certainly found at the latter.

PHYTOTOMA RARA. Mol.

P. Bloxami, Children, Jard. and Selby's
Ill.

P. rutila, Vieill. Mag. de Zool. 1832, ii.
pl.
5.

P. silens, Kittl. Mem. de l'Acad. des Sci.
de St. Petersb.

This is not a very uncommon bird in Central Chile: the farmers
complain that it is very destructive to the buds of fruit trees. It is
quiet and solitary, and haunts hedge-rows or bushes; its manners are
similar to those of our bullfinch, (Loxia Pyrrhula). Iris
bright scarlet. Mr. Eyton has given an anatomical description of this
bird in the Appendix.

DOLICHONYX ORYZIVORUS. Swains.

Dolichonyx oryzivorus, Swains. Faun. Bor.
Am. 2. 278.

Emberiza oryzivorus, Linn.

This one specimen only was seen at James Island, in the Galapagos
Archipelago, during the beginning of October. It is remarkable that a
bird migrating, according to Richardson, as far as 54° N. in North
America, and generally inhabiting marshy grounds, should be found on
these dry rocky islands under the equator. Mr. Gray and myself
carefully compared this specimen with one from North America, and we
could not perceive the slightest difference.

1. XANTHORNUS CHRYSOPTERUS. G. R. Gray.

Oriolus cayennensis, Linn. Syst. 1. 168
?

Agelaius chrysopterus, Vieill.

Psarocolius chrysopterus, Wagl Syst. Av. p.

This bird generally frequents marshy grounds. I procured specimens
from La Plata and from Chile; in the latter country it extends at
least as far north as the valley of Copiapo, in 27° 20': on the
eastern plains it does not range, according to Azara, north of 28°. It
builds in reeds. Molina says it is called by the Indians Thili, or
Chile—hence he derives the name of the country.

This species is rare at Maldonado, but appears more common on the
banks of Parana in Lat. 31°. S. Spix says (vol. i. p. 68, Birds of
Brazil), it is found in Minas Geraes.

2. AGELAIUS CHOPI. Vieill.

Turdus curæus, Gmel.

Le Chopi, Azara, No.
62.

Icterus unicolor, Licht.

Icterus sulcirostris, Spix, Av. Br. pl. 64.
f. 2.

This species is common in flocks on the pasture grounds of Chile,
and along the whole western shore of the southern part of the
continent. In Chile it is called, according to Molina, "cureu." It is
a noisy, chattering bird, and runs in the manner of our starlings. It
can be taught to speak, and is sometimes kept in cages. It builds in
bushes.

MOLOTHRUS NIGER. Gould.

Tanagra bonariensis, Gmel.

Icterus niger, Dand.

Passerina discolor, Vieill.

Icterus maxillaris, D'Orb. & Lafr.

Icterus sericeus, Licht.

Psarocolius sericeus, Wagl.

This Molothrus is common in large flocks on the grassy plains of La
Plata, and is often mingled with the Leistes anticus, and
other birds. In the same flock

with the usual black kind, there were generally a few dull brown
coloured ones, (Icterus sericeus of Licht.) which
I presume are the young. Azara states that the brown-coloured birds are
smaller than the black glossy ones, and that they sometimes form
one-tenth of the whole number in a flock. In the single specimen which
I brought home, the size, with the exception of the length of the wing,
is only a very little less. Sonnini, in his notes to Azara, considers
the brown birds as the females; I can, however, scarcely believe that
so obvious a solution of the difficulty could have escaped so accurate
an observer as Azara, These birds in La Plata often may be seen
standing on the back of a cow or horse. While perched on a hedge, and
pluming themselves in the sun, they sometimes attempt to sing or rather
to hiss: the noise is very peculiar; it resembles that of bubbles of
air passing rapidly from a small orifice under water, so as to produce
an acute sound. Azara states that this bird, like the cuckoo, deposits
its eggs in other birds' nests. I was several times told by the country
people, that there was some bird which had this habit; and my assistant
in collecting, who is a very accurate person, found in the nest of the Zonotrichia
ruficollis (a
bird which occupies in the ornithology of S. America the place of the
common sparrow of Europe), one egg larger than the others, and of a
different colour and shape. This egg is rather less than that of the
missel-thrush, being .93 of an inch in length, and .78 in breadth; it
is of a bulky form, thick in the middle. The ground colour is a pale
pinkish-white, with irregular spots and blotches of a bright
reddish-brown, and others less distinct of a greyish hue. This species
is evidently a very close analogue of the M. pecoris of
North
America, from which, however it may at once be distinguished by the
absence of the glossy brown on the head, neck, and upper breast,—by the
metallic blueness of its plumage in the place of a green tinge, and by
its somewhat greater size in all its proportions. The young or
brown-coloured specimens of these Molothri resemble each other more
closely; that of the M. pecoris is of a lighter brown,
especially under the throat, and the small feathers on its breast and
abdomen have each an obscure dark central streak. The eggs of the
Molothri, although having the same general character, differ
considerably; that of the M. pecoris being smaller and less
swollen in the middle; it is .85 of an inch in length, and .78 in
breadth. Its colour cannot be better described than in the words of Dr.
Richardson*—it is "of a greenish white, with rather small crowded and
confluent irregular spots of pale liver-brown, intermixed with others
of subdued purplish grey." From this

* Fauna Borealis, Birds, p. 278. Dr. Richardson
states that the egg
is only seven lines and a half in length. I presume the measure of
eight lines, instead of twelve to the inch, must in this case have been
used. I am much indebted to the kindness of Mr. Yarrell for lending me
an egg of the Molothrus pecoris, forming part of a
collection of North American eggs in his possession.

description it is obvious that the egg of M. niger is
larger and of a much redder tint; the more prominent spots also are
larger, the subdued grey being quite similar in both.

If we were to judge from habits alone, the specific difference
between these two species of Molothrus might well be doubted; they
seem closely to resemble each other in general habits,—in manner of
feeding,—in associating in the same flock with other birds, and even in
such peculiarities as often alighting on the backs of cattle. The M.
pecoris, like the M. niger, utters
strange noises, which Wilson* describes "as a low spluttering note as
if proceeding from the belly." It appears to me very interesting thus
to find so close an agreement in structure, and in habits, between
allied species coming from opposite parts of a great continent. Mr.
Swainson† has remarked that with the exception of the Molothrus,
the cuckoos are the only birds which can be called truly parasitical;
namely, such as "fasten themselves, as it were, on another living
animal, whose animal heat brings their young into life, whose food they
alone live upon, and whose death would cause theirs during the period
of infancy." It is very remarkable, that the cuckoos and the molothri,
although opposed to each other in almost every habit, should agree in
this strange one of their parasitical propagation: the habit moreover
is not universal in the species of either tribe. The Molothrus, like
our starling, is eminently sociable, and lives on the open plains
without art or disguise:‡ the cuckoo, as every one knows, is a
singularly shy bird; it frequents the most retired thickets, and feeds
on fruit and caterpillars.§

AMBLYRAMPHUS RUBER. G. R. Gray.

Oriolus ruber, Gmel.

Amblyramphus bicolor, Leach.

Sturnus pyrrhocephalus, Licht.

Sturnella rubra, Vieill.

Leistes erythrocephala, Swains. Class.
Birds.

This bird frequented marshy places in the neighbourhood of
Maldonado, but it was not common there. It is more solitary than the
following allied species; I have, however, seen it in a flock. Seated
on a twig, with its beak widely open, it often makes a shrill, but
plaintive and agreeable cry, which is sometimes single

* Wilson's American Ornithology, vol. ii. p. 162.

† Magazine of Zoology and Botany, vol. i. p. 217.

‡ See Azara, vol. iii. p. 170.

§ It appears that the eggs in the same nest with
that of the
Molothrus pecoris, are turned out by the parent birds before
they are hatched, owing to the egg of the M. pecoris being
hatched in an unusually short time; in the case of the young cuckoo,
as is well known, the young bird itself throws out its foster-brothers.
Mr. C. Fox, however, (Silliman's American Journal, vol. xxix. p. 292),
relates an instance of three young sparrows having been found alive
with a Molothrus.

and sometimes reiterated. Its flight is heavy. The young have their
heads and thighs merely mottled with scarlet.

STURNELLA MILITARIS. Vieill.

Sturnus militaris, Gmel.

Etourneau des terres Magellanique, Pl. enl. 113.

I met with specimens of this bird on the east coast of the continent
from the Falkland Islands to 31° S., and on the western coast from the
Strait of Magellan to Lima, a space of forty degrees of latitude.

FAMILY.—TROCHILIDÆ.

1. TROCHILUS FLAVIFRONS.

Monte Video.—November. Not abundant.

2. TROCHILUS FORFICATUS. Lath.

Edwards' Gleanings.

Vieill. Ois. dores, t.
1.

Ornismya Kingii, Less. Trochilidees, pl.
38.

This species is found over a space of 2,500 miles on the west coast,
from the hot dry country of Lima to the forests of Terra del Fuego,
where it has been described by Captain King as flitting about in a
snow-storm. In the wooded island of Chiloe, which has an extremely damp
climate, this little bird, skipping from side to side amidst the humid
foliage, and uttering its acute chirp, is perhaps more abundant than
any other kind. It there very commonly frequents open marshy
ground, where a kind of bromelia grows: hovering near the edge of the
thick beds, it every now and then dashes in close to the ground; but I
could not see whether it ever actually alighted. At that time of the
year there were very few flowers, and none whatever near the beds of
bromelia. Hence, I was quite sure that they did not live on honey; and
on opening the stomach and upper intestine, by the aid of a lens, I
could plainly distinguish in a yellow fluid, morsels of the wings of
diptera,—probably Tipulidæ. It is evident that these birds search for
minute insects in their winter quarters under the thick foliage. I
opened the stomachs of several specimens which were shot in different
parts of the continent, and in all remains of insects were numerous,
forming a black comminuted mass. In one killed at Valparaiso, I found
portions of an ant. Amongst the Chonos Islands, at a season when there
were flowers in open places, yet the damp recesses of the forests
appeared their favourite haunt. In central

Chile these birds are migratory; they make their appearance
there in autumn; the first arrival which I observed was on the 14th of
April (corresponding to our October) but by the 20th they were
numerous. They stay throughout the winter, and begin to disappear in
September: on October 12th, in the course of a long walk, I saw only
one individual. During the period of their summer migration, nests were
very common in Chiloe and the Chonos Island, countries south of Chile.
When this species of Trochilus migrates southward, it is
replaced in Chile by a larger kind, which will be presently described.
The migration of the humming birds on both the east* and west coasts of
North America, exactly corresponds to that which takes place in the
southern half of the continent. In both they move towards the tropic
during the colder parts of the year, and retreat poleward before the
returning heat. Some, however, remain during the whole year in Tierra
del Fuego; and in northern California,—which in the northern
hemisphere, has this same relative position which Tierra del Fuego has
in the southern,—some, according to Beechey, likewise remain. Near the
south end of Chiloe, I found on the 8th of December, a nest with eggs
nearly hatched. It was of the ordinary form of nests; rather more than
an inch in internal diameter, and not deep, composed externally of
coarse and fine moss, neatly woven together, and lined with dried
confervæ, now forming a very fine reddish fibrous mass. I feel no
doubt regarding the nature of this latter substance, as the transverse
septa are yet quite distinct: hence this humming bird builds its nest
entirely of cryptogamic plants. Egg perfectly white, elongated, or
rather almost cylindrical, with rounded ends; length .557 of an inch,
and transverse diameter .352 of an inch. In January, at the Chonos
Islands, when there were young in the nest, a considerable number of
old birds were shot; of these, however, few or scarcely any had the
shining crest of the male. In the only specimen, which I carefully
examined, the metallic tips of the young feathers of the crest, were
just beginning to protrude. Several of these males without their crest,
had a yellowish gorge; and I saw some with a few light brown feathers
on their backs. I presume these appearances are connected with their
state of moult.

3. TROCHILUS GIGAS, Vieill.

Orsimya tristis, Less., Oiseaux Mouches,
pl. 3.

This species is common in central Chile. It is a large bird for the
delicate family to which it belongs. At Valparaiso, in the year 1834, I
saw several of these birds in the middle of August, and I was informed
they had only lately arrived from the parched deserts of the north.
Towards the middle of September

(the vernal equinox) their numbers were greatly increased. They
breed in central Chile, and replace, as I have before said, the
foregoing species, which migrates southward for the same purpose. The
nest is deep in proportion to its width; externally three inches and a
half deep; internal depth a little under one inch and three quarters;
width within one inch and two-tenths; mouth slightly contracted.
Externally it is formed of fine fibrous grass woven together, and
attached by one side and bottom to some thin upright twigs; internally
it is thickly lined with a felt, formed of the pappus of some composite
flower. When on the wing, the appearance of this bird is singular. Like
others of the genus, it moves from place to place, with a rapidity
which may be compared to that of Syrphus amongst diptera, and Sphinx
among moths; but whilst hovering over a flower, it flaps its wings
with a very slow and powerful movement, totally different from that
vibratory one common to most of the species, which produces the humming
noise. I never saw any other bird, where the force of its wings
appeared (as in a butterfly) so powerful in proportion to the weight of
its body. When hovering by a flower, its tail is constantly expanded
and shut like a fan, the body being kept in a nearly vertical position.
This action appears to steady and support the bird, between the slow
movements of its wings. Although flying from flower to flower in search
of food, its stomach generally contained abundant remains of insects,
which, I suspect, are much more the object of its search than honey is.
The note of this species, like that of nearly the whole family, is
extremely shrill.

In the Appendix an anatomical description of this bird by Mr. Eyton
is given.

ORDER—SCANSORES.

1. CONURUS MURINUS, Kuhl.

Psittacus murinus, Gmel.

Perruche, Pernet, voy. 1. p. 312.

This parrot feeds in large flocks on the grassy plains of Banda
Oriental, where not a tree can be seen. They are very destructive to
the corn-fields. I was assured that in one year, near Colonia del
Sacramiento, on the north bank of the Plata, 2,500 were killed, a
reward being given for each dozen heads. Many of these birds build
their nests close together in trees, the whole composing a vast mass of
sticks. I saw several of their compound nests on the islands in the
river Parana.

I obtained specimens of this bird at Bahia Blanca in Northern
Patagonia, where there is not a single tree, and the country is dry and
very sterile. I did not meet with this species in the southern parts of
Patagonia, but it is common near Concepcion in Chile, in nearly the
same latitude. They build their nests in holes in cliffs of earth or
gravel, together with the Hirundo cyanoleuca. In September,
at Bahia Blanca, they were laying: their eggs are quite white, and,
small in proportion to the bird. Several usually rush forth from their
holes at the same instant, and utter a noisy scream.

PICUS KINGII. G. R. Gray.

Picus melanocephalus, King, Proc. Zool.
Soc. 1830, p. 14.

I procured specimens at Valparaiso, and at the Peninsula of Tres
Montes (Lat. 46° S.) At the latter place, I killed in January a pair,
male and female. Captain King's specimens were obtained from Chiloe.
The male has its whole head scarlet with only the nape black, so that
Captain King's specific name is unfortunately not applicable for the
species; therefore Mr. G. R. Gray thinks it should be named after the
first describer. The head of the female is black, with some short
reddish-brown feathers over nostrils. There appears to be no other
difference in the plumage of the sexes.

CHRYSOPTILUS CAMPESTRIS. Swains.

Picus campestris, Licht. Cat. p. Spix,
Av. Br. pl. 116.

Le charpentier des champs, Azara, No.
253.

My specimens were obtained from Banda Oriental and Buenos Ayres; I
saw it no further southward. Spix says (Birds of Brazil, vol. i. p.
51.) it inhabits Minas Geraes. They frequent open plains and especially
rocky ground. They are rather wild, and generally live three or four
together. The tail of these ground woodpeckers seems but little used;
their beaks, however, were generally muddy to the base: in the stomach
of one I found only ants. Their flight is undulatory like that of the
English woodpecker, and their loud cry is likewise similar, but

each note more separate. They alight on the branch of a tree,
horizontally, in the manner of ordinary birds; but occasionally I have
seen one clinging in an upright position to a post. They appear to feed
exclusively on the ground.

COLAPTES CHILENSIS. Vigors.

Picus Chilensis, Garnot, Voy. de la
Coquille, Zool. pl.
52.

This bird frequents the dry stony hills of central Chile, on which
only a few bushes and trees grow. It is closely related in habits and
structure to the foregoing species, and appears to be its
representative on the western side of the Cordillera; hence I cannot
but think the institution of the above two genera unfortunate. It is
the "Pitui" of Molina, which name, I imagine, it derives
from
its peculiar cry. Molina states, that it builds its nest in holes in
banks.

1. DIPLOPTERUS NÆVIUS. Boie.

Cuculus nævius, Lath. Ind. 220.

Rio de Janeiro. April.

2. DIPLOPTERUS GUIRA. G. R. Gray.

Cuculus guira, Linn.

Crotophaga Piririgua, Vieil. Gal. des Ois.
pl. 44.

Ptiloleptus cristatus, Swains.

Buenos Ayres. In small flocks; a noisy, chattering bird.

CROTOPHAGA ANI. Linn.

Petit Bout-de-Petun, pl. enl. 102. f. 2.

Rio de Janeiro. May. The stomach of several specimens contained
remains of numerous Orthopterous, and some Coleopterous insects.

Frequents in large flocks the fields of Indian corn in the
neighbourhood of Maldonado. Legs dull "carmine red." This, probably,
is the representative on the eastern side of the Andes of the foregoing
or Chilian species.

1. ZENAIDA AURITA. G. R. Gray.

Columba aurita, Temm. Pig. p. 60. Wagl.
sp. 70.

I procured specimens of this bird at Maldonado (where it was very
abundant) in La Plata, and at Valparaiso in Chile.

Crown of the head and back of the neck, dark chocolate brown, with a
vinous tinge; back and tail-coverts the same, the former spotted with
black; wing-coverts brown, each feather having a large oblong spot of
black on the margin of either web, separated by a line of white, and
tipped with light vinous brown, the white predominating on the larger
coverts, primaries and secondaries blackish-brown, finely edged with
greyish-white; tail brownish-grey, crossed near the extremity with a
broad irregular band of black; lores and a narrow line above and
beneath the eye black, interrupted with light brown: throat and chest
rich vinous, glossed on the sides of the neck with metallic bronze, and
fading into greyish on the vent and under tail-coverts; bill black;
feet reddish-orange.

This species may at once be distinguished from the Z. aurita,
by
the redder tint of its breast,—the greater number of black marks on the
wing coverts and back—the outer half of some of the feathers on the
wing coverts being white—the marks on the under side of the tail being
grey (instead of white as in the Z. aurita) and by the larger
size of its beak.

This dove is one of the most abundant birds in the Archipelago. It
frequents the dry rocky soil of the low country, and often feeds in the
same flock with the several species of Geospiza. It is
exceedingly tame, and may be killed in numbers. Formerly it appears to
have been much tamer than at present. Cowley,* in 1684, says that the
"Turtle doves were so tame that they would often alight upon our hats
and arms, so as that we could take them alive: they not fearing man,
until such time as some of our company did fire at them, whereby they
were rendered more shy." Dampier† (in the same year) also says that a
man in a morning's walk might kill six or seven dozen of these birds.
At the present time, although certainly very tame, they do not alight
on people's arms; nor do they suffer themselves to be killed in such
numbers. It is surprising that the change has not been greater;—for
these islands during the last hundred and fifty years, have been
frequented by buccaneers and whalers; and the sailors, wandering
through the woods in search of tortoises, take delight in knocking down
the little birds.

This bird is not uncommon on the mountains in the extreme southern
parts of Tierra del Fuego. It frequents, either in pairs or small
coveys, the zone of alpine plants above the region of forest. It is not
very wild, and lies very close on the bare ground.

2. ATTAGIS GAYII. Less.

Attagis Gayii, Less. Cent. Zool. pl. 47,
p. 155.

A specimen was given me, which was shot on the lofty Cordillera of
Coquimbo, only a little below the snow-line. At a similar height, on
the Andes, behind Copiapo, which appear so entirely destitute of
vegetation, that any one would have thought that no living creature
could have found subsistence there, I saw a covey. Five birds rose
together, and uttered noisy cries; they flew like grouse, and were
very wild. I was told that this species never descends to the lower
Cordillera. These two species, in their respective countries, occupy
the place of the ptarmigan of the northern hemisphere.

TINOCHORUS RUMICIVORUS. Eschsch.

Thinocorus rumicivorus, Eschsch. Zool.
Atl. pl. 2.

Tinochorus Eschscholtzii, Less. Cent.
Zool. pl. 50.

This very singular bird, which in its habits and appearance partakes
of the character both of a wader and one of the gallinaceous order, is
found wherever there are sterile plains, or open dry pasture land, in
southern South America. We saw it as far south as the inland plains of
Patagonia at Santa Cruz, in lat. 50°. On the western side of the
Cordillera, near Concepcion, where the forest land changes into an open
country, I saw this bird, but did not procure a specimen of it: from
that point throughout Chile, as far as Copiapo, it frequents the most
desolate places, where scarcely another living creature can exist: it
thus ranges over at least twenty-three degrees of latitude. It is found
either in pairs or in small flocks of five or six; but near the Sierra
Ventana I saw as many as thirty and forty together. Upon being
approached they lie close, and then are very difficult to be
distinguished from the ground; so that they often rise quite
unexpectedly. When feeding they walk rather slowly, with their legs
wide apart. They dust themselves in roads and sandy places. They
frequent particular spots, and may

be found there day after day. When a pair are together, if one is
shot, the other seldom rises; for these birds, like partridges, only
take wing in a flock. In all these respects, in the muscular gizzard
adapted for vegetable food, in the arched beak and fleshy nostrils,
short legs, and form of foot, the Tinochorus has a close affinity with
quails. But directly the bird is seen flying, one's opinion is changed;
the long pointed wings, so different from those in the gallinaceous
order, the high irregular flight, and plaintive cry uttered at the
moment of rising, recall the idea of a snipe. Occasionally they soar
like partridges when on the wing in a flock. The sportsmen of the
Beagle unanimously called it the short-billed snipe. To this genus, or
rather to that of the sandpiper, it approaches, as Mr. Gould informs
me, in the shape of its wing, the length of the scapulars, the form of
the tail, which closely resembles that of Tringa hypoleucos,
and
in the general colour of the plumage. The male bird, however, has a
black mark on its breast, in the form of a yoke, which may be compared
to the red horseshoe on the breast of the English partridge. Its nest
is said to be placed on the borders of lakes, although the bird itself
is an inhabitant of the parched desert. I was told that the female lays
five or six white eggs, spotted with red. I opened the stomachs of many
specimens at Maldonado, and found only vegetable matter, which
consisted of chopped pieces of a thick rushy grass, and leaves of some
plant, mixed with grains of quartz. The contents of the intestine and
the dung were of a very bright green colour. At another season of the
year, and further south, I found the craw of one full of small seeds
and a single ant. Those which I shot were exceedingly fat, and had a
strong offensive game odour; but they are said to be very good eating,
when cooked. Pointers will stand to them. In the Appendix Mr. Eyton has
given an anatomical description of this bird, which partly confirms
that affinity both to the Grallatores and Razores, which is so
remarkable in its habits and external appearance.

CHIONIS ALBA. Forst.

Shaw's Nat. Miscel. pl. 481.

I opened the stomach of a specimen killed at the Falkland Islands,
and found in it small shells, chiefly Patellæ, pieces of sea-weed, and
several pebbles. The contents of the stomach and body smelt most
offensively. Forster remarked this circumstance; but since his time,
other observers, namely, Anderson, Quoy, Gaimard, and Lesson (Manuel
d'Ornithologie, tom ii, p. 342) have found that this is not always the
case, and they state that they have actually eaten the Chionis. I was
not aware of these observations, but independently was much surprised
at the extraordinary odour exhaled. We, like other voyagers in the
Antarctic seas, were struck at the great distance from land, at which
this bird is found in the

open ocean. Its feet are not webbed, its flight is not like that of
other pelagic birds, and the contents of its stomach, and structure of
legs, show that it is a coast-feeder. Does it frequent the floating
icebergs of the Antarctic ocean, on which sea-weed and other refuse is
sometimes cast?

1. NOTHURA MAJOR. Wagl.

Nothura major, Wagl. Syst. Av. p. sp. 4.

Tinamus major, Spix. Av. pl.
80.

These birds are very common on the northern shores of the Plata.
They do not rise in coveys, but generally by pairs. They do not conceal
themselves nearly so closely as the English partridge, and hence great
numbers may be seen in riding across the open grassy plains. Note, a
shrill whistle. It appears a very silly bird: a man on horseback, by
riding round and round in a circle, or rather in a spire, so as to
approach closer each time, may knock on the head almost as many as he
pleases. The more common method is to catch them with a running noose,
or little lazo, made of the stem of an ostrich's feather, fastened to
the end of a long stick.* A boy on a quiet old horse will frequently
thus catch thirty or forty in a day. The flesh of this bird, when
cooked, is most delicately white, but rather tasteless.

The egg of this species, I believe, closely resembles that of the
two following.

2. NOTHURA MINOR. Wagl.

Nothura minor, Wagl. Syst. Av. p. sp. 4.

Tinamus minor, Spix, Av. Br. pl.
82.

I procured a specimen of this bird at Bahia Blanca, in northern
Patagonia, where it frequented the sand-dunes and the surrounding
sterile plains. Its habits appear similar to those of the N. major,
but
it lies closer and does not so readily take to the wing. It is the
smallest of the species mentioned in this work, and its plumage is less
distinctly spotted. The egg of this bird is described below. Spix's
specimens were obtained at Tijuco in Brazil. The figure in his work on
the Birds of Brazil, differs slightly from mine, in being less marked
on the breast.

3. NOTHURA PERDICARIA G. R. Gray.

Crypturus perdicarius, Kittlitz, Vögel von
Chili.

This species closely resembles, in its general appearance and
habits, the

* In Hearne's Travels in North America, (p. 383), it
is stated that
the Northern Indians shoot the varying hare, which will not bear to be
approached in a straight line, in an analogous manner, by walking round
it in a spire. The middle of the day is the best time, when the shadow
of the hunter is not very long.

N. major, of which probably it is the analogue on the
western
side of the Cordillera. It is larger and has a considerably longer beak
than the N. major; its breast is not spotted, and its
abdomen
has a less fulvous tinge. The N. perdicarius runs
on the open ground, generally a pair together, in the same unconcealed
manner, as its analogue, and does not readily lie close. Flight
similar, but on rising it utters a shriller whistle, of a different
tone. It does not appear to be so easily caught as the Plata species.
It is tolerably abundant in all parts of Chile, as far north as the
valley of Guasco; but I was assured, that it has never been seen in
the valley of Copiapo, although only seventy miles north of Guasco, and
of a similar character. The egg is very glossy and of a peculiar
colour, which, according to Werner's nomenclature, is a palish
chocolate red: length in longer axis 2.07 of an inch; shorter axis
1.495 of an inch. The egg of the N. minor is of a similar
colour, but a shade paler, and rather smaller; its length being 1.815,
and its transverse diameter 1.3 of an inch.

RHYNCHOTUS RUFESCENS. Wagl.

Rhynchotus rufescens, Wagl. Av.
Syst.

Tinamus rufescens. Temm. Gall. iii. p.
552.

Rhynchotus fasciatus. Spix. Av. Br. pl.
76.

Cryptura Guaza. Vieill.

Crypturus rufescens. Licht. Vög. Verz. s.
67.

My specimens were procured at Maldonado, where it is a much rarer
bird than the Nothura major; I
met with it also in the sterile country near Bahia Blanca. At Maldonado
it frequented swampy thickets on the borders of lakes. It lies very
close, and is unwilling to rise, but often utters, whilst on the
ground, a very shrill whistle. When on the wing, it flies to a
considerable distance. Several are generally found together, but they
do not rise at the same instant, like a covey of partridges. Flesh,
when cooked, perfectly white. Spix's specimens were procured in the
country between St. Paul's and Minas Geraes; so that this bird, as
well as the Nothura minor, has a considerable range.

ORDER—CURSORES. Temm.

1. RHEA AMERICANA. Lath.

This bird is well known to abound
on the plains of La Plata. To the north it is found, according to
Azara, in Paraguay, where, however, it is not common; to the south its
limit appears to be from 42° to 43°. It has not crossed the Cordillera;
but

I have seen it within the first range of mountains on the Uspallata
plain, elevated between six and seven thousand feet. The ordinary
habits of the ostrich are well known. They feed on vegetable matter,
such as roots and grass; but at Bahia Blanca, I have repeatedly seen
three or four come down at low water to the extensive mud-banks which
are then dry, for the sake, as the Gauchos say, of catching small fish.
Although the ostrich in its habits is so shy, wary, and solitary, and
although so fleet in its pace, it falls a prey, without much
difficulty, to the Indian or Gaucho armed with the bolas. When several
horsemen appear in a semicircle, it becomes confounded, and does not
know which way to escape. They generally prefer running against the
wind; yet at the first start they expand their wings, and like a vessel
make all sail. On one fine hot day I saw several ostriches enter a bed
of tall rushes, where they squatted concealed, till quite closely
approached. It is not generally known that ostriches readily take to
the water. Mr. King informs me that in Patagonia, at the Bay of San
Blas and at Port Valdes, he saw these birds swimming several times from
island to island. They ran into the water, both when driven down to a
point, and likewise of their own accord, when not frightened: the
distance crossed was about 200 yards. When swimming, very little of
their bodies appear above water, and their necks are extended a little
forward: their progress is slow. On two occasions, I saw some
ostriches swimming across the Santa Cruz river, where it was about four
hundred yards wide, and the stream rapid. Captain Sturt,* when
descending the Murrumbidgee, in Australia, saw two emus in the act of
swimming.

The inhabitants who live in the country readily distinguish, even at
a distance, the male bird from the female. The former is larger and
darker coloured,† and has a larger head. The ostrich, I believe the
cock, emits a singular, deep-toned, hissing note. When first I heard
it, standing in the midst of some sand-hillocks, I thought it was made
by some wild beast, for it is a sound that one cannot tell whence it
comes, or from how far distant. When we were at Bahia Blanca in the
months of September and October, the eggs were found, in extraordinary
numbers, all over the country. They either lie scattered single, in
which case they are never hatched, and are called by the Spaniards,
huachos, or they are collected together into a shallow excavation,
which forms the nest. Out of the four nests which I saw, three
contained twenty-two eggs each, and the fourth twenty-seven. In one
day's hunting on horseback sixty-four eggs were found; forty-four of
these were in two nests, and the remaining twenty scattered huachos.
The Gauchos unanimously affirm, and there is no reason to doubt their
statement, that the male

* Sturt's Travels, vol. ii. p. 74.

† A Gaucho assured me that he had once seen a
snow-white, or Albino
variety, and that it was a most beautiful bird.

bird alone hatches the eggs, and for some time afterwards
accompanies the young. The cock when on the nest lies very close; I
have myself almost ridden over one. It is asserted that at such times
they are occasionally fierce, and even dangerous, and that they have
been known to attack a man on horseback, trying to kick and leap on
him. My informer pointed out to me an old man, whom he had seen much
terrified by one chasing him. I observe, in Burchell's Travels in South
Africa, that he remarks, "having killed a male ostrich, and the
feathers being dirty, it was said by the Hottentots to be a nest bird."
I understand that the male emu, in the Zoological Gardens, takes care
of the nest: this habit therefore is common to the family.*

The Gauchos unanimously affirm that several females lay in one nest.
I have been positively told, that four or five hen birds have been
actually watched and seen to go, in the middle of the day, one after
the other, to the same nest. I may add, also, that it is believed in
Africa, that two or more females lay in one nest.† Although this habit
at first appears very strange, I think the cause may be explained in a
simple manner. The number of eggs in the nest varies from twenty to
forty, and even to fifty; and according to Azara to seventy or eighty.
Now although it is most probable, from the number of eggs found in one
district being so extraordinarily great, in proportion to that of the
parent birds, and likewise from the state of the ovarium of the hen,
that she may in the course of the season lay a large number, yet the
time required must be very long. Azara states,‡ that a
female in
a state of domestication laid seventeen eggs, each at the interval of
three days one from another. If the hen were obliged to hatch her own
eggs, before the last was laid, the first probably would be addled;
but if each laid a few eggs at successive periods, in different nests,
and several hens, as is stated to be the case, combined together, then
the eggs in one collection would be nearly of the same age. If the
number of eggs in one of these nests is, as I believe, not greater on
an average than the number laid by one female in the season, then there
must be as many nests as females, and each cock bird will have its fair
share of the labour of incubation; and this during a period when the
females probably could not sit, on account of not having finished
laying.§ I have before mentioned the great numbers of huachos, or
scattered

* It appears, also, from Mr. Gould's late most
interesting
discoveries regarding the habits of the Talegalla Lathami,
(an Australian bird, one of the Rasores,) that several females lay in
one
nest, and that the eggs are hatched by the heat engendered by a mass of
decaying vegetable matter. It appears that the males assist the females
in scratching together the leaves and earth, of which the great conical
mound or nest is composed.

† Burchell's Travels, vol. i. p. 280.

‡ Azara, vol. iv. p. 173.

§ Lichtenstein, however, (Travels, vol. ii. p.
25.) states, that
the
hens begin to sit when ten or twelve eggs are laid, and that they
afterwards continue laying. He affirms that by day the hens take turns
in sitting, but that the cock sits all night.

eggs; so that in one day's hunting the third part found were in
this state. It appears odd that so many should be wasted. Does it not
arise from some difficulty in several females associating together, and
in finding a male ready to undertake the office of incubation? It is
evident that there must at first be some degree of association, between
at least two females; otherwise the eggs would remain scattered at
distances far too great to allow of the male collecting them into one
nest. Some authors believe that the scattered eggs are deposited for
the young birds to feed on. This can hardly be the case in America,
because the huachos, although often found addled and putrid, are
generally whole.

The whole of the plumage light brown, each feather with a decided
crescent-shaped mark of pure white at the extremity; head, neck, and
thighs lighter; base of the neck blackish; culmen of the bill narrow,
becoming a little broader towards apex; front with small bristly
feathers, pointing forwards and reaching over the nostrils. Tarsus with
small downy feathers on sides, extending half way downwards; upper
two-thirds of front of tarsus, and whole hinder side, with reticulated
scales.

Habitat, Eastern Patagonia (Lat. 40° S. to 54° S.)

This species, which Mr. Gould, in briefly characterizing it at a
meeting of the Zoological Society, has done me the honour of calling
after my name, differs in many respects from the Rhea Americana. It
is smaller, and the general tinge of the plumage is a light brown in
place of grey; each feather being conspicuously tipped with white. The
bill is considerably smaller, and especially less broad at its base;
the culmen is less than half as wide, and becomes slightly broader
towards the apex, whereas in the R. Americana it becomes
slightly narrower; the extremity, however, of both the upper and the
lower mandible, is more tumid in the latter, than in the R.
Darwinii.

The skin round and in front of the eyes is less bare in R.
Darwinii; and
small bristly feathers, directed forwards, reach over the nostrils. The
feet and tarsi are nearly of the same size in the two species. In the R.
Darwinii, short
plumose feathers extend downwards in a point on the sides of the
tarsus, for about half its length. The upper two-thirds of the tarsus,
in front, is covered with reticulated scales in place of the broad
transverse band-like scales of the R. Americana; and the
scales of the lower third are not so large as in the latter. In the R.
Darwinii the
entire length of the back of the tarsus is covered with reticulated
scales, which increase in size from the heel upwards: in the common Rhea,
the
scales on the hinder side of the tarsus are reticulated only on the
heel, and about an inch above it; all the upper part consisting of
transverse bands, similar to those in front.

The first notice I received of this species was at the Rio Negro, in
Northern Patagonia, where I repeatedly heard the Gauchos talking of a
very rare bird, called Avestruz Petise. They described it as
being less than the common ostrich (which is there abundant), but with
a very close general resemblance. They said its colour was dark and
mottled, and that its legs were shorter, and feathered lower down than
those of the common ostrich. It is more easily caught by the bolas than
the other species. The few inhabitants who had seen both kinds,
affirmed that they could distinguish them apart, from a long distance.
The eggs, however, of the small species appeared more generally known,
and it was remarked with surprise, that they were very little less than
those of the common Rhea, but of a slightly different form,
and
with a tinge of pale blue. Some eggs which I picked up on the plains of
Patagonia, agree pretty well with this description; and I do not doubt
are those of the Petise. This species occurs most rarely in the
neighbourhood of the Rio Negro; but about a degree and a half further
south they are tolerably abundant. One Gaucho, however, told me he
distinctly recollected having seen one, many years before, near the
mouth of the Rio Colorado, which is north of the Rio Negro. They are
said to prefer the plains near the sea. When at Port Desire in
Patagonia (Lat. 48°), Mr. Martens shot an ostrich; I looked at it, and
from most unfortunately forgetting at the moment, the whole subject of
the Petises, thought it was a two-third grown one of the common sort.
The bird was skinned and cooked before my memory returned. But the
head, neck, legs, wings, many of the larger feathers, and a large part
of the skin, had been preserved. From these a very nearly perfect
specimen has

been put together, and is now exhibited in the museum of the
Zoological Society. M. A. D'Orbigny, a distinguished French naturalist,
when at the Rio Negro, made great exertions to procure this bird, but
had not the good fortune to succeed. He mentions it in his Travels
(vol. ii. p. 76.) and proposes (in case, I presume, of his obtaining a
specimen at some future time, and thus being able to characterize it,)
to call it Rhea pennata. A notice of this species was given
long
since (A.D. 1749) by Dobrizhoffer, in his account of the Abipones (vol.
i. Eng. Trans. p. 314). He says, "You must know, moreover, that Emus
differ in size and habits in different tracts of land; for those that
inhabit the plains of Buenos Ayres and Tucuman are larger, and have
black, white, and grey feathers; those near to the Strait of Magellan
are smaller, and more beautiful, for their white feathers are tipped
with black at the extremity, and their black ones in like manner
terminate in white."

Among the Patagonian Indians in the Strait of Magellan, we found a
half-bred Indian, who had lived some years with this tribe, but had
been born in the northern provinces. I asked him if he had ever heard
of the Avestruz Petise? He answered by saying, "Why there are none
others in these southern countries." He informed me that the number of
eggs in the nest of the Petise is considerably less than with the other
kind, namely, not more than fifteen on an average; but he asserted
that more than one female deposited them. At Santa Cruz we saw several
of these birds. They were excessively wary: I think they could see a
person approaching, when he was so far off as not to distinguish the
ostrich. In ascending the river few were seen; but in our quiet and
rapid descent, many, in pairs and by fours or fives, were observed. It
was remarked by some of the officers, and I think with truth, that this
bird did not expand its wings, when first starting at full speed, after
the manner of the northern kind. The fact of these ostriches swimming
across the river has been mentioned. In conclusion, I may repeat that
the R. Americana inhabits the eastern plains of S. America
as
far as a little south of the Rio Negro, in lat. 41°, and that the R.
Darwinii takes
its place in Southern Patagonia; the part about the Rio Negro being
neutral territory. Wallis saw ostriches at Bachelor's river (lat 53°
54'), in the Strait of Magellan, which must be the extreme southern
possible range of the Petise.

My specimens were obtained at Maldonado and at Valparaiso. At the
former, it was common, feeding on the open grassy plains in small
flocks, mingled with the icteri and the thrush-like Xolmis
variegata. When these birds

This representative of the golden plover of Europe and North
America, is common on the banks of the Plata in large and small flocks.
It is found also, according to Meyer, in Chile.

1. SQUATAROLA CINCTA. Jard. & Selby.

Tringa Urvillii, Garnot, Ann. Ic. Nat. Jan.
1826.

Vanellus cinctus, Less. Voy. de la Coqu.
Zool. p. 720. pl. xliii.

Squatarola cincta, Jard. & Selby's Illust.
Orn. pl. 110.

Charadrius rubecola, Vig. Journ. iv. p.
96.

I obtained specimens of this bird in Tierra del Fuego, where it
inhabited both the sea shore and the bare stony summits of the
mountains; at the Falkland Islands, where it frequented the upland
marshes; and at Chiloe, where I met with large flocks in the fields,
not near the coast.

Crown of the head, all the upper surface brown, the feathers of the
back and the scapularies, margined with paler; primaries blackish
brown, finely edged on their inner margins with white, and with white
shafts; rump and tail dark brown, the outer feathers largely margined
and tipped with white; forehead and sides of the face sandy white;
throat, lower part of the abdomen, and under tail coverts, buffy white;
sides of the neck and chest brown; the feathers of the
latter
tipped with still lighter brown; bill and feet black.

Habitat, Maldonado; inland glassy plains.

This species is most closely allied to the foregoing. I obtained
only one specimen, which, on comparison with several of the S.
cincta, appears a little larger in all its dimensions, especially
in the length of the tarsi. Its back and scapu-

laries are of a more uniform brown, the feathers being less edged
with pale brown. Its feet are black, whereas those of S. cincta are
brown.

PHILOMACHUS CAYANUS. G. R. Gray.

Charadrius Cayanus, Lath. Ind. Orn. 11.
748.

I met with this bird from latitude 30° to 45° S. on both sides of S.
America. In La Plata it is called "Teru-tero," in imitation of its cry;
and in Chile, according to Molina, "Theghel." These birds, which in
many respects resemble in habits our peewits (Vanellus cristatus),
frequent,
generally in pairs, open grassy land, and especially the neighbourhood
of lakes. As the peewit takes its name from the sound of its voice, so
does the teru-tero. While riding over the grassy plains, one is
constantly pursued by these birds, which appear to hate mankind, and I
am sure deserve to be hated, for their never-ceasing, unvaried, harsh
screams. The stillness of the night is often disturbed by them. To the
sportsman they are most annoying, by announcing to every other bird and
animal his approach: to the traveller in the country, they may
possibly, as Molina says, do good, by warning him of the midnight
robber. During the breeding season, they attempt, like our peewits, by
feigning to be wounded, to draw away from their nests dogs and other
enemies. Their eggs are of a pointed oval form; of a brownish olive
colour, thickly spotted with dark brown. Their eggs, like those of the
peewit, are esteemed particularly good eating.

1. HIATICULA AZARÆ. G. R. Gray.

Charadrius Azaræ, Temm. pl. col.
184.

———— collaris, Vieill.

Albatuitui à collier noir, Azara, No. 392.

My specimens were obtained on the banks of the Plata and at
Valparaiso. The specimen from the latter country differs from those
procured at the former, in the absence of the black collar on the
breast, of the black streak running from the eye to the corner of the
mouth; in the plumage of the back and back of head having a lesser
tinge of red; and especially in the feet being black, and tarsi
blackish, instead of both being orange, as is the case with those
killed on the shores of the Plata. I have not, however, thought it
desirable to make two species of these birds, not having a larger
series of specimens for comparison.

2. HIATICULA TRIFASCIATUS. G. R. Gray.

Charadrius bifasciatus, Licht. Vog. Verz.
p. 71.

———— trifasciatus, Wagl. Syst. Av. sp. 31.

I procured two specimens of this bird at Bahia Blanca, in Northern
Patagonia.

Galapagos Archipelago. Frequents the
sea-coast and salt-lagoons. There are no fresh water pools in any of
these islands.

1. NYCTICORAX VIOLACEUS. Bonap.

Ardea violacea, Linn.

Ardea callocephala, Wagl. Syst. Av.

Mr. G. R. Gray has thought it advisable to give the following
description of this specimen, from the Gallapagos Archipelago. It
appears to be a young bird, and is small in all its dimensions.

Upper part blackish-grey; each feather marked down the middle with
a broad stripe of black, and tinged on the margins with shining
bronze-brown; beneath the body blueish-grey, with the front of the
neck, top of the head, and margins of the feathers on the thighs
rufous; the sides of the head and throat deep black, the former divided
in
the middle on each side with a patch of white; the bill black, and
feet of a pale reddish colour.

2. NYCTICORAX AMERICANUS. Bonap.

Ardea nycticorax, Wils. (young bird.)

Valparaiso, Chile.

THERISTICUS MELANOPS. Wagl.

Ibis melanops, Lath. Hist. ix. pl. 150.

This bird frequents the desert gravelly plains of Patagonia, as far
south as lat. 48°: in the British Museum there are specimens which
Captain Clapperton brought from central Africa; so that this bird has
an extraordinarily wide range. It generally lives in pairs, but during
part of the year in small flocks. Its cry is very singular and loud:
when it is heard at a distance it closely resembles the neighing of the
guanaco. I opened the stomach of two specimens, and found in them
remains of lizards, cicadæ, and scorpions. It builds in rocky cliffs
on the

My specimen was obtained at the Rio Negro: it is very numerous in
large flocks on the vast swampy plains between Bahia Blanca and Buenos
Ayres. Its flight when soaring is singularly graceful; the whole flock
moving in precise concert.

1. NUMENIUS HUDSONICUS. Lath.

Numenius Hudsonicus, Lath. Ind. Orn. ii.
712.

This curlew is very abundant on the tidal mud-banks of Chiloe. When
the flock rises, each bird utters a shrill note.

2. NUMENIUS BREVIROSTRIS. Licht.

Numenius brevirostris, Licht. Cat. 75, sp.
774 a.

Buenos Ayres.

LIMOSA HUDSONICA. Swains.

Scolopax Hudsonica, Lath. Ind. Orn. ii.
720.

My specimens were obtained from the Falkland Islands and from
Chiloe, where it frequented the tidal mud-banks in flocks.

The whole of the upper surface and tail sooty-grey; wings dull
brown; throat white; chest and flanks leaden grey; centre of the
abdomen and under tail coverts white, the former indistinctly, and the
latter distinctly, barred with greyish brown; bill, reddish-brown;
feet, dark olive-brown.

Habitat, Galapagos Archipelago (October).

This species appear quite distinct from any described one.

HIMANTOPUS NIGRICOLLIS. Vieill.

Himantopus nigricollis, Vieill. Ency.
Meth. 340.

Recurvirostra himantopus, Wils. Am. Orn.
pl. 58. f. 2.

My specimens were obtained from the provinces bordering the Plata.
On the great swampy plains and fens which lie between Buenos Ayres and
Bahia Blanca, it is very numerous in small, and occasionally, in large
flocks. This plover, which appears as if mounted on stilts, has been
wrongfully accused of inelegance; when wading about in shallow water,
which is its favourite resort, its gait is far from awkward. In a flock
it utters a noise, which singularly resembles the cry of a pack of
small dogs in full chase: when I travelled across the above mentioned
plains, I was more than once startled, when lying awake at night, at
the distant sound, and thought the wild Indians were coming.

Flocks of this species were common on the shores of the inland bays
in the southern parts of Tierra del Fuego.

2. PELIDNA MINUTILLA. Gould.

Tringa minutilla, Vieill. Ency. Meth. 1089.

Galapagos Archipelago. Both the specimens which I procured here are
smaller than the ordinary size of this bird, but do not differ in other
respects. Vieillot says it ranges from the Antilles to Canada.

My specimens were obtained from Maldonado and East Falkland Island.
Flight a very little less irregular and rapid than the English snipe. I
several times in May observed this, as well as the foregoing species,
flying in lofty circles, and suddenly stooping downwards, at the same
time that it uttered a peculiar drumming noise, similar to that made by
the English snipe in summer, when breeding. This species is most
closely allied to the foregoing, but I have no doubt it is distinct;
because at the time when I procured specimens of both at Maldonado, I
perceived a difference between them. This species is there more
abundant than the S. Paraguaiæ. Its beak
is nearly
three-tenths of an inch shorter, and the culmen rather broader. The
plumage of its back is of a decidedly less dark tint; each separate
feather having much less black in it.

The whole of the upper surface blackish brown, each feather spotted
with white down the centre, and largely margined with olive brown;
quills plain brown; chin white; the remainder of the under surface
brownish black, striated with white on the throat and chest, and
crossed by irregular bars of the same on the abdomen and under tail
coverts; bill dark horn colour; feet olive green.

Head and all the under surface blackish grey; all the upper surface
dark reddish brown, fading off on the rump into deep greyish black;
the wings, hinder part of the flanks, and under tail coverts slightly
sprinkled with white; bill, blackish brown; feet, reddish; iris,
bright scarlet.

This bird frequents in large numbers the high and damp summits of
the islands. It lives in the thick beds of carex and other plants,
which, from the condensed vapour of the clouds, are constantly kept
rather humid. It is tame, but lives concealed; it often utters a loud
and peculiar cry. The female is said to lay from eight to twelve eggs.
It is, I believe, the only bird in this archipelago which is
exclusively confined to the upper parts of the islands. With respect to
the specific description, I must observe, that in one of the specimens,
the few and small white spots on the wings and abdomen are wanting.
This is not a sexual distinction, but possibly may be owing to
immaturity.

1. RALLUS PHILLIPENSIS. Linn.

Common on the low coral
islets, forming the Keeling or Cocos Atoll in the Indian ocean. With
the exception of a snipe, this was the only bird without web-feet which
inhabited this group.

This specimen was killed with a stick near the summit of the Island.
It was evidently a straggler, which had not long arrived. There is no
aboriginal land bird at Ascension.

ORDER—PALMIPEDES.

ANSER MELANOPTERUS. Eyton.

Anser melanopterus, Eyton, Monog. Anatidæ,
p. 93.

PLATE L.

Captain FitzRoy purchased a skin of this fine goose at Valparaiso,
which he has presented to the British Museum. There is another specimen
at the Zoological Society, which Mr. Pentland procured from the lake of
Titicaca, in Bolivia.

CHLOEPHAGA MAGELLANICA. Eyton.

Anas Magellanica, Gmel. Syst. i.
505.

Chloephaga Magellanica, Eyton, Monog.
Anatidæ, p. 82.

Bernicla leucoptera, Less. Trait d'Ornith.
627.

This goose is found in Tierra del Fuego, and at the Falkland
Islands; at the latter it is common. They live in pairs and in small
flocks
throughout the interior of the island, being rarely or never found on
the sea-coast, and seldom even near fresh-water lakes. I believe this
bird does not migrate from the Falkland Islands; it builds on the
small outlying islets. This latter circumstance is supposed to be owing
to the fear of the foxes; and it is perhaps from the same cause, that
although very tame by day, they are much the contrary in the dusk of
the evening. These geese live entirely on vegetable matter; they are
called by the seamen, the "upland geese." Mr. Eyton, in his excellent
Monograph on the Anatidæ, has described the trachea of this bird,
which I brought home in spirits.

BERNICLA ANTARCTICA. Steph.

Bernicla antarctica, Steph. Sh. Zool. xii.
59.

——————— Eyton, Monograph, p. 84.

Anas Antarctica, Gmel. Syst. i.
505.

This goose is common in Tierra del Fuego, the Falkland Islands, and
on the western coast, as far north as Chiloe. It is called by the
sailors the "rock goose," as it lives exclusively on the rocky parts
of the sea-coast. In the deep and retired

channels of Tierra del Fuego, the snow-white male, invariably
accompanied by his darker consort, and standing close by each other on
some distant rocky point, is a common feature in the landscape. Mr.
Eyton has described the treachea of this species, which I brought home.

PÆCILONITTA BAHAMENSIS. Eyton.

Pæcilonitta Bahamensis, Eyton, Monog. p.
116.

Anas Bahamensis, Linn. Syst. i.
199.

Mareca Bahamensis, Steph. Gen. Zool. xii.
p. 137.

A specimen was procured from a small salt-water lagoon in the
Galapagos Archipelago (October.)

It was a male; bill, lead colour; base of superior mandible purple,
with a black mark in the upper part.

Mr. Gould observes that, "A good figure of this beautiful shoveller
may be found in the 3rd vol. of Messrs. Jardine and Selby's
Illustrations of Ornithology. Their figure was taken from an example
which I forwarded to those gentlemen with the name of maculata attached:
my specimen was received from the Rio Plata, and this is also the
locality whence (in October) Mr. Darwin's specimen was procured. The
numerous and conspicuous spots distributed over the body, renders this
species readily distinguishable from all the other members of the
genus."

1. QUERQUEDULA ERYTHRORHYNCHA. Eyton.

Querquedula erythrorhyncha, Eyton, Monog.
Anatidæ, p.
127.

Anas erythrorhyncha, Spix, Av. Nov. sp.
pl.

My specimens were obtained from Buenos Ayres (October) and
the Straits of Magellan (February.)

2. QUERQUEDULA CRECCOÏDES. Eyton.

Querquedula creccoïdes, Eyton, Monog.
Anatidæ, p. 128.

Anas creccoides, King, Zool. Journ. iv.
99.

Mr. Gould observes that, "This species was first described by Mr.
Vigors,

from a specimen in the collection brought from the Straits of
Magellan, by Capt. P. P. King. It is a true teal, and in size and form
closely assimilates to the common teal of Europe, and to the species
inhabiting North America (Querquedula Carolinensis, Bonap.) to
both of which it is evidently an analogue, and doubtless represents
those birds in the southern half of the American continent." My
specimens were procured from the Rio Plata, and from the Straits of
Magellan.

MICROPTERUS BRACHYPTERUS. Eyton.

Micropterus brachypterus, Eyton, Monog.
Anat. p. 144.

Anas brachytera, Lath. Ind. Orn. ii.
834.

These great logger-headed ducks, which sometimes weigh as much as
twenty-two pounds, were called by the old navigators, from their
extraordinary manner of paddling and splashing over the water,
race-horses, but now much more properly steamers. Their wings are too
small and weak to allow of flight, but by their aid, partly swimming
and partly flapping the surface of the water, they move very quickly.
The manner is something like that by which the common house duck
escapes, when pursued by a dog; but I am nearly sure that the steamer
moves its wings alternately, instead of, as in other birds, both
together. These clumsy birds make such a noise and splashing, that the
effect is most curious. The steamer is able to dive but a very short
distance. It feeds entirely on shellfish from the floating kelp and
tidal rocks; hence the beak and head are surprisingly heavy and
strong, for the purpose of breaking them. So strong is the head, that I
have sometimes scarcely been able to fracture it with my geological
hammer; and all our sportsmen soon discovered how tenacious these birds
were of life. When pluming themselves in the evening in a flock they
make an odd mixture of sounds, somewhat like bull-frogs within the
tropics.

1. PODICEPS KALIPAREUS. Quoy & Gaim.

My specimens were obtained from Bahia Blanca (September), Northern
Patagonia, and the Falkland Islands. In the former place it lived in
small flocks in the salt-water channels, extending between the great
marshes at the head of the harbour. At the Falkland Islands I saw
(March) very few individuals; and these only in one small fresh-water
lake. Tarsi of the same colour as the plumage of the back; iris of a
beautiful tint, between "scarlet and carmine red;" pupil black. Mr.
Gould remarks that, "This beautiful species of Podiceps is
equal in size, and has many of the characters of the P. auritus,
but
is at once distinguished from that species by the silvery colouring of
the plumes that adorn the sides of the head; which in P. auritus are
deep chestnut."

I obtained specimens from the Falkland Islands (March), where it was
common at the head of the tortuous bays which intersect those islands;
from a fresh water lake near the Strait of Magellan (February); and
from the eastern coast of Chiloe. The male and female have the same
plumage. Iris of a fine red colour. Mr. Gould adds that, "this species
appears to be as nearly related to the Podiceps cornutus, as
the preceding species is to P. auritus, but
is readily distinguishable from it, by the white spot in the centre of
the tuft of feathers that spring from the sides of the face."

3. PODICEPS CHILENSIS. Garnot.

Le macas cornu, Azara, No. 443.

This specimen was procured in a fresh-water lake near Buenos Ayres.
Capt. P. King brought home specimens from the salt-water channels in
Tierra del Fuego, where it is excessively numerous. It often makes a
very melancholy cry, which suits the gloomy climate of those desolate
shores.

My specimen was obtained near Valparaiso. Meyen, who first described
this bird, procured it from the coast of Peru.

PUFFINUS CINEREUS. Steph.

Puffinus cinereus, Steph. Gen. Zool. xiii.
p. 227.

Procellaria puffinus, Linn.

This bird frequents the seas on the whole coast of South America. I
obtained specimens from Tierra del Fuego, Chiloe, the mouth of the
Plata, and Callao Bay on the coast of Peru. It is likewise known to be
common in the Northern Hemisphere; this species, therefore, has a most
extensive range. It generally frequents the retired inland sounds in
very large flocks; although, occasionally, two or three may be seen
out at sea. I do not think I ever saw so many birds of any other sort
together, as I once saw of these petrels, behind the Island of Chiloe.
Hundreds of thousands flew in an irregular line, for several hours in
one direction. When part of the flock settled on the water, the surface
was blackened; and a cackling noise proceeded from them, as of human
beings talking in the distance. At this time, the water was in parts
coloured by clouds of small crustacea. The inhabitants of Chiloe told
me that this petrel was very irregular

in its movements;—sometimes they appeared in vast numbers, and on
the next day not one was to be seen. At Port Famine, every morning and
evening, a long band of these birds continued to fly with extreme
rapidity, up and down the central parts of the channel, close to the
surface of the water. Their flight was direct and vigorous, and they
seldom glided with extended wings in graceful curves, like most other
members of this family. Occasionally, they settled for a short time on
the water; and they thus remained at rest during nearly the whole of
the middle of the day. When flying backwards and forwards, at a
distance from the shore, they evidently were fishing: but it was rare
to see them seize any prey. They are very wary, and seldom approach
within gun-shot of a boat or of a ship;—a disposition strikingly
different from that of most of the other species. The stomach of one,
killed near Port Famine, was distended with seven prawn-like crabs, and
a small fish. In another, killed off the Plata, there was the beak of a
small cuttle-fish. I observed that these birds, when only slightly
winged, were quite incapable of diving. There is no difference in the
plumage of the sexes. The web between the inner toes, with the
exception of the margin, is "reddish-lilac-purple;" the rest being
blackish. Legs and half of the lower mandible blackish purple. From
accounts which I have received, the individuals of this species, which
live in the Northern Hemisphere, appear to have exactly the same habits
as those above described.

1. PELECANOIDES BERARDI. G. R. Gray.

Puffinuria Berardi, Less. Tr. d'Orn. p.
614.

Procellaria Berardi, Quoy et Gaim. Voy. de
pl. 31

This bird is common in the deep and quiet creeks and inland seas of
Tierra del Fuego, and on the west coast of Patagonia, as far north as
the Chonos Archipelago. I never saw but one in the open sea, and that
was between Tierra del Fuego and the Falkland Islands. This bird is a
complete auk in its habits, although from its structure it must be
classed with the Petrels. To the latter Mr. Gould informs me, its
affinity is clearly shewn by the form of its beak and nostrils, length
of foot, and even by the general colouring of its plumage. To the auks
it is related in the general form of its body, its short wings, shape
of tail, and absence of hind-toe to the foot. When seen from a distance
and undisturbed, it would almost certainly be mistaken, from its manner
of swimming and frequent diving, for a grebe. When approached in a
boat, it generally dives to a distance, and on coming to the surface,
with the same movement takes flight: having flown some way, it drops
like a stone on the water, as if struck dead, and instantaneously dives
again. No one seeing this bird for the first time, thus diving

like a grebe and flying in a straight line by the rapid movement of
its short wings like an auk, would be willing to believe that it was a
member of the family of petrels;—the greater number of which are
eminently pelagic in their habits, do not dive, and whose flight is
usually most graceful and continuous. I observed at Port Famine, that
these birds, in the evening, sometimes flew in straight lines from one
part of the sound to another; but during the day, they scarcely ever, I
believe, take wing, if undisturbed. They are not very wild: if they had
been so, from their habit of diving and flying, it would have been
extremely difficult to have procured a specimen. The legs of this bird
are of a "flax-flower blue."

This bird, which is called by the English, "Nelly," and by the
Spaniards, "Quebranta-huesos," (properly an osprey,) is common in the
southern latitudes of South America. It frequents both the inland
sounds, and the open ocean far from the coast. It often settles and
rests on the water. The Nelly, in its flight and general appearance on
the wing, has many points of resemblance with the Albatross; but, as
in the case of that bird, it is in vain to attempt observing on what it
feeds; both seem to hunt the waters for days together, in sweeping
circles, with no success. In the stomach, however, of one which I
opened, there was the beak of a large cuttle-fish. The Nelly, moreover,
is a bird of prey: it was observed at Port St. Antonio, by some of the
officers of the Beagle, to kill a diver. The latter tried to escape,
both by diving and flying, but was continually struck down, and at last
was killed by a blow on its head. At Port St. Julian, also, these great
petrels were seen killing and devouring young gulls. The Nelly breeds
on several of the small islands off the coast of Patagonia; for
instance, Sea-Lion Island, in the mouth of the Santa Cruz. Most other
species of the family retire for the purpose of breeding to the
Antarctic Islands.

I have often observed in the southern seas, a bird similar in every
respect to the Nelly, excepting in its plumage, being of a much more
intense black, and its bill rather whiter. I procured a specimen thus
coloured, at Port Famine, and had concluded that it was a distinct
species, until Mr. Low, (an excellent practical observer, long
acquainted during his sealing voyages with the productions of these
seas,) assured me that he positively knew, that these black varieties
were the one-year-old birds of the common greyish black Nelly.

I saw this petrel on both sides of the Continent south of lat. 30°;
but seldom more than two or three together. I am informed that it
arrives in Georgia in September for the purpose of breeding, and that
it lays its eggs in holes in the precipices overhanging the sea. On the
approach of winter it is said to retire from that island. My specimen
was caught in the Bay of St. Mathias (lat. 43° S.) by a line and bent
pin, baited with a small piece of pork; the same means by which the
Pintado (Dapt. Capensis) is so easily caught. It is a tame,
sociable, and silent bird; and often settles on the water: when thus
resting it might from a distance be mistaken, owing to the general
colour of its plumage, for a gull. One or two often approached close to
the stern of the Beagle, and mingled with the Pintados, the constant
attendants on vessels traversing these southern seas.

DAPTION CAPENSIS. Steph.

Procellaria Capensis, Linn. Syst. i. 213.

This petrel is extremely numerous over the whole southern ocean,
south of the Tropic of Capricorn. On the coast, however, of Peru, I saw
them in lat. from 16° to 17° S., which is considerably farther north
than they are found on the shores of Brazil. Cook, in sailing south in
the meridian of New Zealand, first met this bird in lat. 43° 30'. The
Pintados slightly differ in some of their habits from the rest of their
congeners, but, perhaps, approach in this respect nearest to P.
glacialoïdes. They
are very tame and sociable, and follow vessels navigating these seas
for many days together: when the ship is becalmed, or is moving
slowly, they often alight on the surface of the water, and in doing
this they expand their tails like a fan. I think they always take their
food, when thus swimming. When offal is thrown overboard, they
frequently dive to the depth of a foot or two. They are very apt to
quarrel over their food, and they then utter many harsh but not loud
cries. Their flight is not rapid, but extremely elegant; and as these
prettily mottled birds skim the surface of the water in graceful
curves, constantly following the vessel as she drives onward in her
course, they afford a spectacle

which is beheld by every one with interest. Although often spending
the whole day on the wing, yet on a fine moonlight night, I have
repeatedly seen these birds following the wake of the vessel, with
their usual graceful evolutions. I am informed that the Pintado arrives
in Georgia for the purpose of breeding, and leaves it, at the same time
with the P. glacialoides. The sealers do not know any other
island in the Antarctic ocean excepting Georgia, where these two birds
(as well as the Thalassidroma oceanica) resort to breed.

I obtained this bird at Maldonado, near the mouth of the Plata,
where it was blown on shore by a gale of wind. These birds, although
seeming to prefer on most occasions the open ocean, and to be most
active, walking with their wings expanded on the crest of the waves,
when the gale is heaviest, yet sometimes visit quiet harbours, in
considerable numbers. At Bahia Blanca I saw many, when there was
nothing in the weather to explain their appearance. I was informed by a
sealer, that they build in holes on the sea cliffs of Georgia, where
they arrive very regularly in the month of September. No other place is
known to be frequented by them for the purpose of breeding.

PRION VITTATUS. Cuv.

Procellaria Vittata, Gmelin. Syst. i. 560.

I did not procure a specimen of this bird, although I saw numbers on
both sides of the Continent from about lat. 35° S. to Cape Horn. It is
a wild solitary bird, appears always to be on the wing: flight
extremely rapid. Mr. Stokes (Assistant surveyor of the Beagle) informs
me that they build in great numbers on Landfall Island, on the west
coast of Tierra del Fuego. Their burrows are about a yard deep: they
are excavated on the hill-sides, at a distance even of half a mile from
the sea shore. If a person stamps on the ground over their nests, many
fly out of the same hole. Mr. Stokes says the eggs are white,
elongated, and of the size of those of a pigeon.

The whole of the plumage deep leaden-grey; the upper and under tail
coverts being lightest; bill red at the base, black at the tip; feet
black.

Habitat, Galapagos Archipelago (October).

This species of gull has many characters in common with the Larus
hæmatorhynchus of
King, from the continent of S. America; but may at once be
distinguished from it by the general extreme duskiness of its plumage,
feet, tarsi, and bill; and by the more elongated form of the latter.
My specimen was killed at James Island. I observed nothing particular
in its habits. It is the only species of gull frequenting this
Archipelago.

2. LARUS HÆMATORHYNCHUS. King.

Larus hæmatorhynchus, King, Zool. Journ.
iv. 103.

————————— Jard. & Selb. Ill. Orn. p.
106.

This bird was killed at Port St. Julian on the coast of Patagonia.
Beak (when fresh killed) of a pale "arterial blood red," legs
"vermilion red."

3. LARUS DOMINICANUS. Licht.

Larus dominicanus, Licht. Cat. 82. sp. 846.

Grande Mouette, Azara, No.
409.

This gull abounds in flocks on the Pampas, sometimes even as much as
fifty and sixty miles inland. Near Buenos Ayres, and at Bahia Blanca,
it attends the slaughtering-houses, and feeds, together with the
Polybori and Cathartes, on the garbage and offal. The noise which it
utters is very like that of the common English gull (Larus canus,
Linn.)

XEMA (CHROICOCEPHALUS) CIRROCEPHALUM. G. R. Gray.

Larus cirrocephalus, Vieill. Nov. Dict.
d'Histoire, 21.
p. 502.

Larus maculipennis, Licht. Cat. 83. sp.
855.

Larus glaucodes, Meyen, Nov. Act. 1839, p.
115. pl. 24.

Mouette cendrée, Azara, No.
410.

This species so closely resembles the Xema ridibundum,
Boiè,
that Mr. Gould observes, he should have hardly ventured to have
characterized it as distinct; but as M. Vieillot and Meyen have deemed
this necessary, he adopts their view. I have compared a suite of
specimens, which I procured from the Rio Plata, the coast of Patagonia,
and the Straits of Magellan, with several specimens of the Xema
ridibundum; the only difference which appears to me constant, is
that the primaries of the X. cirrocephalum, in
the adult winter plumage, both of male and female, are tipped with a
white spot (a character common to some other species), whereas in the X.
ridibundum the points are black. The beak of the latter species,

especially the lower mandible, is also a little less strong, or high
in proportion to its length. In the immature stage, I could perceive no
difference whatever in the plumage of these birds. The proportional
quantity of black and white in the primaries, given by Meyen as the
essential character, varies in the different states of plumage. The
specimens described by this author were procured from Chile.* The soles
of the feet of my specimens were coloured, deep "reddish orange," and
the bill dull "arterial blood-red" of Werner's nomenclature.

In the plains south of Buenos Ayres I saw some of these birds far
inland, and I was told that they bred in the marshes. It is well known
that the black-headed gull (Xema ridibundum), which we have
seen comes so near the X. cirrocephalum, frequents
the inland marshes to breed. It appears to me a very interesting
circumstance thus to find birds of two closely allied species
preserving the same peculiarities of habits in Europe and in the wide
plains of S. America. Near Buenos Ayres this gull as well as the L.
dominicanus sometimes attends the slaughter-houses to pick up
bits of meat.

RHYNCHOPS NIGRA. Linn.

I saw this bird both on the East and West coast of South America,
between latitudes 30° and 45°. It frequents either fresh or salt water.
Near Maldonado (in May), on the borders of a lake, which had been
nearly drained, and which in consequence swarmed with small fry, I
watched many of these birds flying backwards and forwards for hours
together, close to its surface. They kept their bills wide open, and
with the lower mandible half buried in the water. Thus skimming the
surface, generally in small flocks, they ploughed it in their course;
the water was quite smooth, and it formed a most curious spectacle, to
behold a flock, each bird leaving its narrow wake on the mirror-like
surface. In their flight they often twisted about with extreme
rapidity, and so dexterously managed, that they ploughed up small fish
with their projecting lower mandibles, and secured them with the upper
half of their scissor-like bills. This fact I repeatedly witnessed, as,
like swallows, they continued to fly backwards and forwards, close
before me. Occasionally, when leaving the surface of the water, their
flight was wild, irregular, and rapid; they then also uttered loud
harsh cries. When these birds were seen fishing, it was obvious that
the length of the primary feathers was quite necessary in order to keep
their wings dry. When thus employed, their forms resembled the symbol,
by which many artists represent marine birds. The tail is much used in
steering their irregular course.

These birds are common far inland, along the course of the Rio
Parana; and

* The naturalists in Lutke's voyage, vol. iii. p.
255, seem to
consider a gull, which they obtained at Concepcion, as the Larus
Franklinii of North America.

it is said they remain there during the whole year, and that they
breed in the marshes. During the day they rest in flocks on the grassy
plains, at some distance from the water. Being at anchor in a small
vessel, in one of the deep creeks between the islands in the Parana, as
the evening drew to a close, one of these scissor-beaks suddenly
appeared. The water was quite still, and many little fish were rising.
The bird continued for a long time to skim the surface; flying in its
wild and irregular manner up and down the narrow canal, now dark with
the growing night and the shadows of the overhanging trees. At Monte
Video, I observed that large flocks remained during the day on the mud
banks, at the head of the harbour; in the same manner as those which I
observed on the grassy plains near the Parana. Every evening they took
flight in a straight line seaward. From these facts, I suspect, that
the Rhynchops frequently fishes by night, at which time, many of the
lower animals come more abundantly to the surface than during the day.
I was led by these facts to speculate on the possibility of the bill of
the Rhynchops, which is so pliable, being a delicate organ of touch.
But Mr. Owen, who was kind enough to examine the head of one, which I
brought home in spirits, writes to me, (August 7, 1837,) that—

"The result of the dissection of the head of the Rhynchops,
comparatively
with that of the head of the duck, is not what you anticipated. The
facial, or sensitive branches of the fifth pair of nerves, are very
small; the third division in particular, is filamentary, and I have
not been able to trace it beyond the soft integument at the angles of
the mouth. After removing with care, the thin horny covering of the
beak, I cannot perceive any trace of those nervous expansions which are
so remarkable in the lamelli-rostral aquatic birds; and which in them
supply the tooth-like process, and soft marginal covering of the
mandibles. Nevertheless, when we remember how sensitive a hair is,
through the nerve situated at its base, though without any in its
substance, it would not be safe to deny altogether, a sensitive faculty
in the beak of the Rhynchops."

M. Lesson (Manuel d'Ornithologie, vol. ii. p. 385.) has stated, that
he has seen these birds opening the shells of the Mactræ, buried in
the sandbanks on the coast of Chile. From their weak bills, with the
lower mandible so much produced, their short legs and long wings, it
seems very improbable that this can be a general habit, although it may
sometimes be resorted to. Wilson, who was well acquainted with this
bird, does not believe "the report of its frequenting oyster beds, and
feeding on these fish." The existence, however, of this same report in
the United States, makes the question, whether the Rhynchops does not
sometimes turn the peculiar structure of its beak to this purpose,
worthy of further investigation.

My specimen was procured at Bahia Blanca, in Northern Patagonia. I
may here observe, that many navigators have supposed that terns, when
met with out at sea, are a sure indication of land. But these birds
seem not unfrequently to be lost in the open ocean; thus one (Megalopterus
stolidus) flew
on board the Beagle in the Pacific, when several hundred miles from the
Galapagos Archipelago. No doubt, the remark made by navigators, with
respect to the proximity of land where terns are seen, refers to birds
in a flock, fishing, or otherwise showing that they are familiar with
that part of the sea. I, therefore, more particularly mention, that off
the mouth of the Rio Negro, on the Patagonian shore, I saw a flock
(probably the Viralva aranea) fishing seventy miles from
land:
and off the coast of Brazil a flock of another species, 120 from the
nearest part of the coast. The latter birds were in numbers, and were
busily engaged in dashing at their prey.

MEGALOPTERUS STOLIDUS. Boiè.

Sterna stolida, Linn. Syst. i. 227.

My specimens were procured from the Galapagos Archipelago. It is
well known to be an inhabitant of the seas in the warmer latitudes over
the whole world. The Rocks of St. Paul's, nearly under the equator, in
the Atlantic ocean, were almost covered with the rude and simple nests
of this bird, made with a few pieces of sea-weed. The females were
sitting upon their eggs (in February), and by the side of many of their
nests, parts of flying-fish were placed, I suppose, by the male bird
for his partner to feed on during the labour of incubation.

PHALACROCORAX CARUNCULATUS. Stephens.

Phalacrocorax carunculatus, Steph. Gen.
Zool.

Pelecanus carunculatus, Gm. Syst. i.
576.

Phalacrocorax imperialis, King, Zool. Proc.
vol. i. pt.
1. 30.

I procured a specimen of this bird at Port St. Julian, on the coast
of Patagonia, where, during January, many were building. I merely
mention it here, for the purpose of describing the singularly bright
colours of the naked skin about its head. Skin round the eyes
"campanula blue;" cockles at the base of the upper mandible, "saffron
mixed with gamboge-yellow." Marks between the eye and the corner of the
mouth, "orpiment orange;" tarsi scarlet.

I had an opportunity, at the Galapagos Archipelago, of watching, on
several occasions, the habits of this bird, which are very interesting
in relation to its peculiar structure. The Frigate bird, when it sees
any object on the surface of the water, descends from a great height,
in an inclined plane, head foremost, with the swiftness of an arrow;
and at the instant of seizing with its long beak and outstretched neck,
the floating morsel, it turns upwards, with extraordinary dexterity, by
the aid of its forked tail, and long, powerful wings. It never touches
the water with its wings, or even with its feet; indeed I have never
heard of one having been seen on the surface of the sea; and it
appears that the deeply indented web between its toes is of no more use
to it, than are the shrivelled wings beneath the wing-cases of some
coleopterous beetles. The Frigate bird has a noble appearance when seen
soaring in a flock at a stupendous height (at which time it merits the
name of the Condor of the ocean), or when many together are dashing, in
complicated evolutions, but with the most admirable skill, at the same
floating object. They seem to scorn to take their food quietly, for
between each descent they raise themselves on high, and descend again
with a swift and true aim. If the object (such as offal thrown
overboard) sink more than six or eight inches beneath the surface, it
is lost to the Frigate bird. I was informed at Ascension, that when the
little turtles break through their shells, and run to the water's edge,
these birds attend in numbers, and pick up the little animals (being
thus very injurious to the turtle fishery) off the sand, in the same
manner as they would from the sea.

Tongue pointed, furnished with a few short bristles at the sides
near the base. Trachea with the same muscles as among the warblers
generally. Æsophagus slightly funnel-shaped; proventriculus much
expanded at its entrance into the gizzard, which is rounded, not very
muscular, inner coat slightly hardened, smooth. Intestine of moderate
size, furnished with two rudimentary cæca.

inches

Length

of œsophagus,
including proventriculus. . . .

1

of gizzard. .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3/8

Breadth

of ditto. . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5/16

inches

Length

of intestine
from gizzard to cloaca. . . . . . .

3 1/4

from cæca to cloaca. . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . .

3 1/4

The skeleton of this bird is precisely that of the smaller and
weaker species of Laniadæ.

lines

Length

of sternum. .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5

Breadth

anteriorly. .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3

posteriorly. .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4 1/4

Width

of fissures. .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1

Depth

of ditto. . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1 1/2

Depth

of keel. . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2

Length

of pelvis. . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5 1/2

Width

anteriorly. . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2 1/2

posteriorly. . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5 1/2

Length

from occiput to point of bill. .
. . . . . . . . . .

12

Breadth

of head. . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5 3/4

Length

of coracoids. . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .

4 1/2

No of

cervical vertebræ. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . .

11

dorsal ditto. . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7

sacral ditto. . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9

caudal ditto. . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6

——

Total. . . .

33

——

No. of

false ribs. . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1 1 ?

true ditto. . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5

——

Total. . . .

7

* I am much indebted to Mr. Eyton for these
observations, which
greatly add to the value of the previous descriptions

Tongue,
trachea, and œsophagus, as in Uppucerthia. Proventriculus
longer, and slightly contracted at its entrance into the gizzard, which
is large, flattened, and muscular, more rounded than in Opetiorhynchus,
lined
with a rugose hardened coat, and filled with small seeds, and the
remains of insects; intestines of small diameter, and furnished with
two rudimentary cæca.

inches

Length

of
œsophagus,
including proventriculus. . . .

1
3/4

of
gizzard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3/4

Breadth

of
ditto. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5/8

inches

Length

from gizzard to cæca.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5

cæca to cloaca. . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1
1/2

Sternum of nearly equal breadth, both posteriorly and anteriorly,
but much narrowed in the middle, the portion to which the ribs are
attached much elongated beyond their junction; posterior margin
furnished with two deep fissures, slightly narrowed at their exit;
keel deep, slightly rounded on its inferior edge, and much scolloped
out anteriorly; pelvis broad and short, the os pubis projecting far
backwards; the ischium terminating posteriorly in an acute process.

Os furcatum thin, much arched, furnished with a flattened reflexed
process at its junction with the sternum; the points of the rami bent
forwards at their junction with the coracoids.

Coracoids of moderate size and length, inserted deeply into the
sternum; scapula of moderate size, broader near the extremity.

lines

Length

of sternum. .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

11

Breadth

anteriorly. .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6 1/4

posteriorly. .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

8 1/4

Depth

of keel. . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4 1/2

Length

of pelvis. . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

12

Width

anteriorly. . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4 1/2

posteriorly. . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

11

Length

from occiput to point of bill. .
. . . . . . . . . . .

19

Breadth

of cranium. . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7 1/2

Length

of coracoids. . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

8

No. of

cervical vertebræ. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . .

12

dorsal ditto. . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7

sacral ditto. . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

10

caudal ditto. . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7

——

Total. . . .

36

——

No. of

true ribs. . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5

false ditto. . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2.1

——

Total. . . .

8

UPPUCERTHIA DUMETORIA. Geoff. &
D'Orb. (Female.)

Tongue short, compared with the length of the bill, pointed, armed
with a few spines at the base; trachea of moderate size, acted upon by
one pair of sterno-tracheal muscles, which go off to the sternum, about
1/8 of an inch above the inferior larynx; from the upper ring of
the bronchiæ on each side, a process proceeds upwards to the point
from which the muscles diverge, to which point only the rings of the
trachea are continued, two spaces therefore, one on the anterior, the
other on the posterior side of the trachea, immediately above the
bronchiæ, are left devoid of osseous matter, being bounded laterally
by the process above mentioned, inferiorly by the upper rings of the
bronchiæ, and superiorly by the lower ring of the trachea, which is
slightly enlarged; œsophagus small, slightly dilated a little above
the proventriculus, which is of moderate size, and not contracted
before entering the gizzard; gizzard large, oval, very muscular, inner
coat hardened, deeply furrowed longitudinally, and filled with the
remains of insects; intestinal canal of moderate size, without cæca;
rectum very slightly enlarged; liver bilobed.

With the exception of being larger than Furnarius cunicularius,
and in having the bill more bent and longer, the skeleton presents no
material difference from that of the above-named bird.

lines

Length

of
sternum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

13

Breadth

anteriorly. .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6

posteriorly. .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7 1/4

Depth

of keel. . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4

of fissures. . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4

Breadth

of ditto. . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1

Length

of pelvis. . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .

14 1/4

Breadth

anteriorly. . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4

posteriorly. . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9 1/4

Length

from occiput to point of
bill. . . . . . . . . . . .

27

Breadth

of cranium. . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

8

Length

of coracoids. . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

11

No. of

cervical vertebræ. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . .

11

dorsal ditto. . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7

sacral ditto. . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

11

caudal ditto. . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6

——

Total. . . .

35

——

No. of

true ribs. . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5

false ditto. . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2.1

——

Total. . . .

8

OPETIORHYNCHUS VULGARIS. Gray. (Male.)

The structure of the soft parts, both in this species of Opetiorhynchus,
and
the two following ones, so closely resemble that of Furnarius
and Uppucerthia, that
one description will almost serve for the whole; those differences
that do exist being not more than are generally found in species of the
same genus; the external characters also being slight, I cannot but
doubt the propriety of separating them; the cæca are slightly
developed in this species, measuring 1/8 inch in length.

inches

Length

of œsophagus,
proventriculus included. . . .

2 1/2

of gizzard. .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6/8

Breadth

of ditto. . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1/2

inches

Length

of intestinal canal from gizzard
to the cloaca

7 1/2

from cæca to cloaca. . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . .

7/8

Skeleton similar in form to that of Furnarius cunicularius.

lines

Length

of sternum. .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

11 3/4

Breadth

anteriorly. .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5 1/4

posteriorly. .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7 1/2

Depth

of keel. . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3 3/4

of fissures. . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5

Breadth

of ditto. . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1 1/2

Length

of pelvis. . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

12 2/4

Breadth

anteriorly. . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4

posteriorly. . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9 3/4

Length

from occiput to point of bill. .
. . . . . . . . . .

17

Breadth

of cranium. . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7

Length

of coracoids. . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

8 1/2

No. of

cervical vertebræ. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . .

11

dorsal ditto. . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7

sacral ditto. . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

11

caudal ditto. . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7

——

Total. . . .

36

——

No. of

true ribs. . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5

false ditto. . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2.1

——

Total. . . .

8

OPETIORHYNCHUS ANTARCTICUS. G. R. Gray. (Male.)

Structure of the soft parts as in O. vulgaris, but with
the
rectum of rather larger diameter, and the cæca very minute; gizzard
filled with the remains of insects.

Skeleton similar in form to Furnarius cunicularius, and
the
other species of this genus.

lines

Length

of sternum. .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

11

Breadth

anteriorly. .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6

posteriorly. .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7 1/2

Depth

of keel. . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4 3/4

of fissures. . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4

Breadth

of ditto. . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1 3/4

Length

of pelvis. . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

12

Breadth

anteriorly. . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3 3/4

posteriorly. . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

10 1/2

Length

from occiput to point of
bill. . . . . . . . . . . .

18

Breadth

of cranium. . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7 1/2

Length

of coracoids. . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9

No. of

cervical vertebræ. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . .

11

dorsal ditto. . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7

sacral ditto. . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

12

caudal ditto. . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7

——

Total. . . .

37

——

No. of

true ribs. . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5

false ditto. . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2.1

——

Total. . . .

8

OPETIORHYNCHUS PATAGONICUS. G. R. Gray. (Male.)

No difference in the structure of the soft parts from the other
species of the genus before spoken of. The trachea, however, does not
differ from the ordinary simple form found in most birds, but differs
from O. vulgaris and O. antarcticus, in having the
lower rings continued to the bronchiæ it is acted upon by one pair of
muscles; no cæca are apparent.

inches

Length of

œsophagus,
including proventriculus. . . . . .

2 1/8

gizzard. . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1/2

inches

Breadth

of gizzard. .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3/8

Length

of cutis from gizzard to cloaca.
. . . . . . . . .

5 1/2

Skeleton in form similar to that of Furnarius cunicularius,
and the other species of this genus.

lines

Length

of sternum. .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

13

Breadth

anteriorly. .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6 1/2

posteriorly. .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

8 1/2

Depth of

keel. . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5

fissures. . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4

Breadth

of ditto. . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1 1/2

Length

of pelvis. . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

13 1/2

Breadth

anteriorly. . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5

posteriorly. . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

10 1/2

Length

from occiput to point of
bill. . . . . . . . . . . .

19

Breadth

of cranium. . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

8

Length

of coracoids. . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

10

No. of

cervical vertebræ. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . .

11

dorsal ditto. . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7

sacral ditto. . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9

caudal ditto. . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6

——

Total. . . .

33

——

No. of

true ribs. . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5

false ditto. . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2.1

——

Total. . . .

8

Remarks:—the last five species approach so nearly, that I doubt the
propriety of separating them generically. The skeletons are only
distinguishable with the exception of the form of the bill, by the
proportions between the different admeasurements.

PTEROPTOCHOS TARNII. G. R. Gray. (Female.)

Tongue pointed,
armed with two strong lateral spines, and a few intermediate smaller
ones at the base; œsophagus largest at the upper extremity, and
gradually becoming smaller towards the proventriculus; no vestige of a
craw; proventriculus of moderate size, not much contracted towards the
gizzard, which is also of moderate size, and much flattened; not very
muscular, and lined with a hardened coat, rugose longitudinally; the
gizzard was filled with small

pebbles, and a coarse black powder, probably the remains of insects;
intestinal canal small; cæca rudimental; rectum large, becoming
more expanded towards the cloaca, which is also large; trachea of
equal diameter throughout, furnished with one pair of sterno-tracheal
muscles, a portion of each of which is continued downwards to the upper
rings of the bronchiæ, on which it expands; liver two-lobed.

inches

Length

of œsophagus,
including proventriculus. . . .

3 1/2

of intestinal
canal, from gizzard to cloaca. . .

18

of rectum. . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2 1/4

inches

Diameter

of gizzard. . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9/10

Length

of ditto. . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1

The pelvis and ribs of this bird were much damaged; sternum of
equal breadth posteriorly and anteriorly, slightly contracted on its
lateral edge, near the middle indented on its posterior margin with
four deep fissures, the outer ones largest; a large triangular process
projecting forwards between the junctions of the coracoids, bifid at
the apex; the coracoids themselves very strongly articulated to the
sternum, the sides of the sternum to which the ribs are articulated
projecting in the form of a process far beyond the junction of the
coracoids; the sternal keel is narrow, and has its edge straight; the
coracoids are long, thin, with very slight external lateral processes
at their junction with the sternum; os furcatum very thin, roundish, a
very slight process on the point at which it approaches nearest to the
sternum, very slightly arched.

Scapula broad, flattened, much widened at about one-third of its
length from the hinder extremity; wing bones short, and weak; leg
bones long, and strong; the fibula much developed.

Trachea, tongue, œsophagus, gizzard, and liver of the same form as
in Pterotochos Tarnii. The contents of the gizzard also did
not differ.

inches

Length

of intestinal
canal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

14 1/2

from cæca to
cloaca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2 1/2

inches

Length

of gizzard. .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3/4

Breadth

of ditto. . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5/8

Only the body, after skinning, of the species, was brought home by
Mr. Darwin.

The skeleton of this species does not differ in anything
but admeasurements from that of Pterotochos Tarnii; the
pelvis,
however, being so much damaged in that species, that I was not able to
make many notes upon it, I shall give a description of that part in the
present one.

Pelvis of moderate size; the ossa pubis and ischium much
expanded, and elongated posteriorly, and placed nearly perpendicular to
the plane of the ilium, ischiatic foramina large; two large processes
arise on the ilium on each side of the junction of the caudal vertebræ
for the attachment of the levator muscles of the tail.

Remarks:—Both this and the foregoing bird are most curious; it is
difficult to say in what order they ought to be placed, the external
form being equally ambiguous with the internal structure.

The digestive organs nearly agree with that of many insessorial
birds; the pelvis also approaches nearly in form to that of the
thrush; the sternum, however, differs altogether from any form found in
that order, and is precisely that of a Picus. The coracoids
are
lengthened; the os furcatum is furnished with only a slight process
where it approaches the sternum, in which particulars, also in the form
of the ribs, it agrees with the Picidæ.

Having found the internal structure so curious, and so contrary to
what I expected, I was led to examine the external more minutely than I
had before done. The same form of claw is found in several species
among the cuckoos, in the genus Pelophilus, for instance;
the
two outer toes are zygodactyle, being united together as far as the
first joint; the bill, at first sight, might be taken for that of a
gallinaceous bird; but in searching among the order Scansores,
for
some resemblance, I find the same structure in several of the cuckoo
family, with the exception of the nostrils being nearer to the apex of
the bill in Pterotochos. The Australian genus Menura is,
probably, allied to this, but differs in the structure of the nostrils.*

SYNALLAXIS MALUROIDES. D'Orb. (Female.)

Tongue pointed, furnished at the base with two strong spines, the
sides of which are armed with smaller ones; trachea, œsophagus, and
proventriculus as in Furnarius and Uppucerthia; gizzard
rounded, not very muscular, lined with a slightly hardened smooth coat,
and filled with the remains of insects; intestinal canal of moderate
size and length, furnished with two rudimentary cæca.

inches

Length of

œsophagus and
proventriculus. . . . . . . . . .

1 1/8

gizzard. . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3/8

Breadth

of ditto. . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5/16

inches

Length

of intestinal canal from gizzard
to cloaca. . .

4 3/4

from cæca to cloaca. . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . .

3/4

The parts of the skeleton of this bird which I was able to preserve,
were more closely allied to the corresponding ones of Troglodytes than
to those of any other genus in my possession, but differ in the
following particulars: the lateral processes of the sternum bounding
the posterior fissures are not so much expanded, consequently the
fissures themselves are smaller; the keel is rather deeper; the
portion to which the ribs are attached does not project so far
forwards, but the

* Since the above was in type, I have had, through
the kindness of
Mr. Gould, an opportunity of examining Menura lyra, and
find my former supposition to be correct; but neither of these genera
can be placed among the gallinaceous birds where the latter bird has
been arranged by some authors.

process between the coracoids is rather longer; the interocular
portion of the cranium is also rather broader than in the
above-mentioned genus; the pelvis, coracoids, and scapula agree both
in shape and size with Troglodytes.

lines

Lenth

of sternum. .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6 1/4

Breadth

anteriorly. .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4

posteriorly. .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4 1/2

Greatest

width of
fissures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3/4

Depth

of ditto. . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2 1/2

Length

of occiput to point of bill. .
. . . . . . . . . . . .

14 3/4

lines

Breadth

of cranium. . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5 3/4

Length

of pelvis. . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9

Breadth

of ditto posteriorly. . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .

5

anteriorly. . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1 3/4

No. of

cervical vertebræ. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . .

12

PHYTOTOMA RARA. Molina.

This bird being injured about the sexual organs, I could not
ascertain the sex. Tongue pointed, armed at the base on each side with
a flattened tricuspid spine; trachea small, of uniform diameter
throughout its whole length, acted upon by one pair of sterno-tracheal
muscles; œsophagus funnel-shaped at the upper extremity, when
distended capable of containing a common pencil, at its junction with
the proventriculus much smaller; proventriculus scarcely perceptible;
gizzard small, consisting of little more than a thick skin, inner coat
hardened; the entrance of the œsophagus, and the exit of the intestine
placed very near together at the upper extremity of it; intestinal
canal very short, and of large diameter, entirely devoid of cæca; the
whole length with the gizzard and œsophagus distended with a stringy
substance, resembling coarse spun cotton cut into short lengths.

inches

Length

of œsophagus,
including proventriculus. . . .

3

of intestinal
canal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7 1/2

inches

Length

of gizzard. .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5/8

Breadth

of ditto. . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1/2

Sternum of nearly equal breadth, both posteriorly and anteriorly,
much narrowed near the middle; posterior margin nearly straight,
indented with two large fissures, narrowed at their exit between the
junctions of the coracoids furnished with a bifid process; the portion
of the sternum to which the ribs are attached, continued anteriorly
beyond the junction of the coracoids; keel of moderate size;
coracoids long, not very strong; os furcatum long, slightly arched,
furnished with a flattened process, turned inwards at the point it
approaches the sternum.

Pelvis broad, and short, narrowest anteriorly, the os pubis and
ischium continued far backwards, beyond the junction of the caudal
vertebræ; ribs strong, and flattened; posterior process large;
scapula long, broadest near the extremity; legs of moderate strength,
the internal processes of the tibia large, and flattened; bones of the
cranium strong.

Remarks:—The skeleton and soft parts of this bird very nearly
resemble those of the genus Loxia, but
differ in their superior size, in having the fissures on the posterior
margin of the sternum not so deep, and in the margin itself being
straighter, the coracoids larger, and in having the process at the end
of the os furcatum approaching the sternum smaller than in that genus.
The ribs also are stronger.

TROCHILUS GIGAS. Vieill. (Male.)

Tongue bifid, each division pointed; hyoids very long, in their
position resembling those in the Picidæ; trachea
of uniform diameter; destitute of muscles of voice; bronchia very
long; œsophagus funnel-shaped, slightly contracted on approaching the
proventriculus, which is small, and scarcely perceptible; gizzard
small, moderately muscular, the inner coat slightly hardened, and
filled with the remains of insects; intestine largest near the gizzard;
I could not perceive a vestige of cæca.

inches

Length of

œsophagus,
including proventriculus. . . . .

1 3/4

intestinal
canal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3 1/2

inches

Length

of gizzard. .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1/4

Breadth

of ditto. . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1/8

Sternum with the keel very deep, its edge rounded, and projecting
anteriorly; posterior margin rounded, and destitute of indentation or
fissure; the ridges to which the pectoral muscles have their
attachment, large and prominent, the horizontal portion much narrowed
anteriorly, consequently the junctions of the coracoids are very near
together.

Pelvis short, very broad; os pubis long, curved upwards at the
extremities, projecting far downwards, and posteriorly beyond the
termination of the caudal vertebræ; the ischiatic foramen small, and
linear; femora placed far backwards; coracoids short, very strong,
their extremities much diverging; os furcatum short, slightly arched
near the extremities of the rami, which are far apart, furnished with
only a small process on its approach to the sternum; scapula
flattened, long, broadest near the extremity; humerus, radius, and
ulna short, the metacarpal bones longer than either; the former
furnished with ridges much elevated for the attachment of the pectoral
muscles; caudal and dorsal vertebræ with the transverse processes
long, and expanded; cranium of moderate strength, the occipital
portion indented with two furrows, which pass over the vertex, and in
which the hyoids lie; orbits large, divided by a complete bony septum;
the lachrymal bones large, causing an expansion of the bill near the
nostrils.

lines

Length

of
sternum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

13 1/4

Breadth

anteriorly. .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4

posteriorly. .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7 1/4

Depth of

keel. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6 3/4

Length

of pelvis. . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6 1/4

Width

anteriorly. . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2 1/2

posteriorly. . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7

Length

from occiput to point of
bill. . . . . . . . . . . .

27 1/2

Breadth

of cranium. . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6 1/2

Length

of coracoids. . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6

No. of

cervical vertebræ. . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .

10

dorsal ditto. . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6

sacral ditto. . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9

caudal ditto. . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5

——

Total. . . .

30

——

No. of

true ribs. . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5

false ditto. . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.3

——

Total. . . .

9

Remarks:—The skeleton of this bird does not differ in form from that
of Trochilus pella, figured
at page 270 of the Cyclopædia of Anatomy and Physiology. The whole of
the group are more nearly allied to fissirostral birds than any other.

Trachea of uniform diameter, furnished with one pair of
sterno-tracheal muscles, from which a few fibres descend on each side
to the upper rings of the bronchiæ; œsophagus of large diameter to
about half its length, where it is furnished with a craw, and
afterwards contracted to the proventriculus; the craw where it is
connected with the œsophagus is much contracted, afterwards it expands
into a large sac; proventriculus small; gizzard large, and very
muscular; the grinding surfaces hard, concave in the middle, and
furnished with longitudinal grooves in the concave part; the
intestinal canal is of moderate length, small next the gizzard, largest
at the entrance of the cæca, from whence it slightly tapers to the
cloaca, which is small; cæca long, of greatest diameter at the
opposite extremity to their entrance into the rectum; the gizzard and
œsophagus were filled with reeds, mixed with very small pebbles;
liver bilobed.

A second specimen, a female, did not differ, except in sex. Skeleton
light; bones in general thin. Sternum broadest posteriorly, and
indented on its posterior margin with two large fissures; keel deep,
its inferior edge rounded, much scolloped out anteriorly; a
moderate-size bifid manubrial process between the junction of the
coracoids.

Pelvis broad, of moderate length, similar to that found
among the genus Strepsilas.

Os furcatum much arched,
furnished
with a small flattened process, where the ligament unites it to the
sternum; coracoid of moderate length, strong, furnished with a large
process externally near their junction with the sternum; ribs
flattened, posterior process long, slightly curved, and narrow.

lines

Length

of
sternum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

16

Breadth

anteriorly. .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7

posteriorly. .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

11

Width

of fissures. . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4

Depth of

ditto. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6

keel. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7

Length

of pelvis. . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

16 1/2

Width

anteriorly. . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6

posteriorly. . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

12

Length

from occiput to point of
bill. . . . . . . . . . . .

16

Breadth

of head. . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6 1/2

Length

of coracoids. . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7 1/2

No. of

cervical vertebræ. . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .

14

dorsal. . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6

sacral. . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

12

caudal. . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7

——

Total. . . .

39

——

No. of

true ribs. . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6

false ditto. . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2

——

Total. . . .

8

Remarks. The bill of this curious bird much resembles that of the
genus Glareola, but
the soft skin covering the nostrils is more developed, in which respect
it resembles the quails, and other gallinaceous birds. The structure of
the tarsi, feet, and nails approach near to that of Strepsilas,
but
differ in the latter being sharper, and in the scales on the feet and
tarsi being more apparent, which may, perhaps, have been caused to a
certain degree by the bird having been for a long while in spirits.

The wing has precisely the same structure as in Glareola,
and some of the plovers.

The tail is more lengthened than among the plovers, but not more so
than in Glareola praticola, which
species has, however, the tail forked, but some of the same genus, as
the last named bird, although it is not so long in them, have it in the
same shape as in Tinochorus,—as Glarecola Australis.

The structure of the digestive organs is altogether that of a
gallinaceous bird; the skeleton, however, agrees scarcely in any
particular with that order, approaching closely to that of the waders.
The sternum differs from any gallinaceous bird with which I am
acquainted, in wanting entirely the strong lateral process, and in the
fissures on the posterior margin being much smaller; the nearest
approach in form which I have been able to find, is that of Machetes,
from which, if it were not for the superior size of the latter, it
could scarcely be distinguished.

The pelvis agrees so perfectly with that of Strepsilas interpres,
and the Charadriidæ in general, as not to require farther
remark.

The remainder of the skeleton resembles both the plovers and
sandpipers.

I much regret that I have never had an opportunity of dissecting a
specimen of Glareola, to which the genus, Tinochorus,
appears
closely allied, and I believe that they will form a connecting link
between the orders Grallatores and Razores.